Liquid chromatographic-electrospray ionization mass spectrometric assay for simultaneous determination of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and its metabolites 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, 3,4-dihydroxymethamphetamine, and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymethamphetamine in rat brain.

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a psychoactive drug with abuse liability and neurotoxic potential. Mechanisms by which MDMA produces behavioral and neurotoxic effects have yet to be elucidated. By measuring concentrations of MDMA and its metabolites in relevant brain sites, it may be possible to gain insight into mechanisms underlying MDMA actions. For this purpose, an LC-MS assay with electrospray ionization was developed after homogenization of rat brain and enzymatic conjugate cleavage. The method was successfully validated with respect to selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery, and matrix effect and its use should help to delineate the neurotoxic mechanism of action of MDMA.