Free radical trapping properties of several ethyl-substituted derivatives of 5-ethoxycarbonyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (EMPO)

The spin trapping behavior of several ethyl-substituted EMPO derivatives, cis- and trans-5-ethoxycarbonyl-3-ethyl-5-methyl-pyrroline N-oxide (3,5-EEMPO), 5-ethoxycarbonyl-4-ethyl-5-methyl-pyrroline N-oxide (4,5-EEMPO), cis- and trans-5-ethoxycarbonyl-5-ethyl-3-methyl-pyrroline N-oxide (5,3-EEMPO), and 5-ethoxycarbonyl-5-ethyl-4-methyl-pyrroline N-oxide (5,4-EEMPO), toward a series of different oxygen- and carbon-centered radicals, is described. Considerably different stabilities of the superoxide adducts (ranging from about 12 to 55 min) as well as the formation of other radical adducts were observed.     

Photo-oxygenation of glycosylfurans. Rearrangement of C-glycosyl into O-glycosyl derivatives

Photo-oxygenation of 3-ethoxycarbonyl-5-(2,3-O-isopropylidene-β-d-erythrofuranosyl)-2-methylfuran and 3-hydroxymethyl-5-(2,3-O-isopropylidene-β-d-erythrofuranosyl)-2-methylfuran yields the corresponding endo-peroxides which rearrange at room temperature into the O-glycosyl derivatives ethyl 2,3-O-isopropylidene-β-d-erythrofuranosyl 2-acetylfumarate and 2,3-O-isopropylidene-β-d-erythrofuranosyl 3-acetyl-3-hydroxymethylacrylate, respectively. The endo-peroxides can be reduced without rearrangement, yielding C-glycosyl derivatives. Alcoholysis of the O-glycosyl derivatives yields 2,3-O-isopropylidene-d-erythrose, dialkyl 2-acetyl-3-alkoxysuccinates, 4-ethoxycarbonyl-5-methoxy-5-methyl-2-oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran and 4-hydroxymethyl-5-methoxy-5-methyl-2-oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran.     

Detection of superoxide anion using an isotopically labeled nitrone spin trap: potential biological applications

We describe the synthesis and biological applications of a novel nitrogen-15-labeled nitrone spin trap, 5-ethoxycarbonyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide ([(15)N]EMPO) for detecting superoxide anion. Superoxide anion generated in xanthine/xanthine oxidase (100 nM min(-1)) and NADPH/calcium-calmodulin/nitric oxide synthase systems was readily detected using EMPO, a nitrone analog of 5,5'-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO). Unlike DMPO-superoxide adduct (DMPO-OOH), the superoxide adduct of EMPO (EMPO-OOH) does not spontaneously decay to the corresponding hydroxyl adduct, making spectral interpretation less confounding. Although the superoxide adduct of 5-(diethoxyphosphoryl)-5-methyl-pyrroline N-oxide is more persistent than EMPO-OOH, the electron spin resonance spectra of [(14)N]EMPO-OOH and [(15)N]EMPO-OOH are less complex and easier to interpret. Potential uses of [(15)N]EMPO in elucidating the mechanism of superoxide formation from nitric oxide synthases, and in ischemia/reperfusion injury are discussed.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 5R- and 5S-methyl substituted D- and L-configuration 1,3-dioxolane nucleoside analogs

1,3-Dioxolane and 1,3-oxathiolane nucleoside analogs play an important role in anti-viral and anti-neoplastic chemotherapy. We report here the synthesis of 2-hydroxymethyl-5-methyl-1,3-dioxolanylpurine nucleosides from 4-acetoxy-2-(benzyloxymethyl)-5-methyldioxolane. Dioxolanes of alpha-D-, beta-D-, alpha-L-, and beta-L-configuration were prepared, that included 5-methyl derivatives of both 5R and 5S configuration. Molecular mechanics calculations indicate that the 5S and 5R diastereoisomeric 1,3-dioxolanes possess distinct conformational bias, suggesting that methyl substitution may alter the conformational preference of 1,3-dioxolanes. The ability of the 1,3-dioxolanes to inhibit HCV RNA replication was evaluated in a cell-based, subgenomic replicon assay. In addition, activity against vaccinia and HIV was evaluated in cell-based assays. The 2-hydroxymethyl-5-methyl-1,3-dioxolanes were found to be inactive.     

降龙草的蒽醌类化学成分

为了解降龙草(Hemiboea subcapitata Clarke)的化学成分,从降龙草全草的乙醇提取物的石油醚和乙酸乙酯萃取部位分离得到了5个蒽醌类化合物。经波谱学分析鉴定为digiferruginol(1)、1,4-二羟基-2-羟甲基-9,10-蒽醌(2)、1,7-二羟基-2-羟甲基-9,10-蒽醌(3)、1-羟基-7-甲氧基-2-羟甲基-9,10-蒽醌(4)和1,4,7-三羟基-2-甲基-9,10-蒽醌(5)。其中化合物4和5为新化合物,其它3个化合物为首次从降龙草中分离得到。     

Synthesis and characterization of several carbamoyl- and methylcarbamoyl-substituted EMPO derivatives

The spin trapping behavior of four novel carbamoyl-substituted EMPO derivatives, namely 5-carbamoyl-3,5-dimethyl-pyrroline N-oxide (CADMPO), 3,5-dimethyl-5-methylcarbamoyl-pyrroline N-oxide (DMMCAPO), 5-carbamoyl-3-ethyl-5-methyl-pyrroline N-oxide (CAEMPO), and 3-ethyl-5-methyl-5-methylcarbamoyl-pyrroline N-oxide (EMMCAPO), towards different oxygen- and carbon-centered radicals is described, the half lives of the respective superoxide adducts ranging from about 10 to 20 min. The most characteristic adducts were, however, formed from methyl, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, and carbon dioxide anion radicals.     

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of 5-hydroxymethyl- 8-methyl-2-(N-arylimino)-pyrano[2,3-c]pyridine-3-(N-aryl)-carboxamides

Several novel 2-imino-5-hydroxymethyl-8-methyl-2H-pyrano[2,3-c]pyridine-3-(N-aryl) carboxamides were prepared by reaction of pyridoxal hydrochloride with various N-arylcyanoacetamides. Reaction of these compounds with aromatic amines furnished a wide series of 2-(N-R-phenyl) imino-5-hydroxymethyl-8-methyl-2H-pyrano[2,3-c]pyridine-3-carboxamides. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of the synthesized compounds were studied. Most of the obtained compounds demonstrated significant activity against bacterial or fungal strains (MIC in the range of 12.5–25 μg/mL), displaying comparable or even better efficacy than the standard drugs.     

Friedländer reaction on 2-amino-3-cyano-4H-pyrans: Synthesis of derivatives of 4H-pyran [2,3-b] quinoline, new tacrine analogues

The unprecedented Friedländer reaction of densely functionalized 2-amino-3-cyano-4H-pyrans (1) with cyclohexanone has afforded in one step and good yield 5-amino-4-aryl-3-ethoxycarbonyl-2-methyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-4H-pyran[2,3-b]quinolines (2), novel amino-substituted fused pyran derivatives. These compounds are new tacrine analogues.     

Synthesis of C-glycopyranosylfuran derivatives by reaction of dialdehydes with cyanoacetamide

The reaction of diglycol- and thiodiglycol-aldehyde (1a,b) with cyanoacetamide yields cis-3,5-diacetoxy-4-carbamoyl-4-cyano-tetrahydropyran (2a) and -tetrahydrothiopyran (2b). When this reaction is applied to (2S)-2-(3-ethoxycarbonyl-2-methyl-5-furyl)-3,5-dihydroxy-1,4-dioxane (1c), (2S)-3,5-dihydroxy-2-(3-methoxycarbonyl-2-methyl-5-furyl)-1,4-dioxane (1d), and (2S,3R,5S)-2-(3-acetyl-2-methyl-5-furyl)-3,5-dihydroxy-1,4-dioxane (1e), 5-(3-carbamoyl-3-cyano-3-deoxy-β-d-xylo-pentopyranosyl)-3-ethoxycarbonyl-2-methylfuran (2c), 5-(2,4-di-O-acetyl-3-carbamoyl-3-cyano-3-deoxy-β-d-xylo-pentopyranosyl)-3-methoxycarbonyl-2-methylfuran (2e), and 3-acetyl-5-(2,4-di-O-acetyl-3-carbamoyl-3-cyano-3-deoxy-β-d-xylo-pentopyranosyl)-2-methylfuran (2f), respectively, are formed with (4S,5S)-4-carbamoyl-4-cyano-2-(3-ethoxycarbonyl-2-methyl-5-furyl)-5-hydroxy-5,6-dihydropyran (3a) and (4S,5S)-4-carbamoyl-4-cyano-5-hydroxy-2-(3-methoxycarbonyl-2-methyl-5-furyl)-5,6-dihydropyran (3b) as minor products. The dehydration of 2a,b, 5-(2,4-di-O-acetyl-3-carbamoyl-3-cyano-3-deoxy-β-d-xylo-pentopyranosyl)-3-ethoxycarbonyl-2-methylfuran (2d), 2e, and 2f yields cis-3,5-diacetoxy-4,4-dicyano-tetrahydropyran and -tetrahydrothiopyran (2l,m), and the 5-(2,4-di-O-acetyl-3,3-dicyano-3-deoxy-β-d-erythro-pentopyranosyl) derivatives (2n–p) of 3-ethoxycarbonyl-2-methylfuran, 3-methoxycarbonyl-2-methylfuran, and 3-acetyl-2-methylfuran, respectively.     

Validation of a method for the detection and confirmation of nitroimidazoles and corresponding hydroxy metabolites in turkey and swine muscle by means of gas chromatography–negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry

The results of a validation study of a GC–NCI–MS method for the quantitative determination of 5-nitroimidazoles {1,2-Dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole (dimetridazole, DMZ), 1-methyl-2-[(carbamoyloxy)methyl]-5-nitroimidazole (ronidazole, RNZ), 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole (metronidazole, MNZ) and 2-isopropyl-1-methyl-5-nitroimidazole (ipronidazole, IPZ)} including the hydroxy metabolites of these agents {2-hydroxymethyl-1-methyl-5-nitroimidazole (HMMNI), 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-hydroxymethyl-5-nitroimidazole (MNZOH), and 1-methyl-2-(2′-hydroxyisopropyl)-5-nitroimidazole (IPZOH)} in turkey and swine muscle are presented. The validation was carried out according to the requirements of the draft for the revision of Commission Decision 93/256/EC, which is expected to be adopted by the European Commission in due course. The determination of the method’s performance parameters revealed decision limits (CC_α) between 0.65 and 2.8 μg/kg for DMZ, RNZ/HMMNI, MNZ and MNZOH. Confirmatory analyses according to the requirements of the forthcoming EC decision are possible for all analytes except for IPZ and IPZOH where already the decision limits (CC_α) were higher (5.2 μg/kg) than for the above-mentioned nitroimidazoles. The within-laboratory reproducibility and the mean recovery were in an acceptable range for all analytes.     

Tissue-Specific Differences in DNA Modifications (5-Hydroxymethylcytosine, 5-Formylcytosine, 5-Carboxylcytosine and 5-Hydroxymethyluracil) and Their Interrelationships

Background

Replication-independent active/enzymatic demethylation may be an important process in the functioning of somatic cells. The most plausible mechanisms of active 5-methylcytosine demethylation, leading to activation of previously silenced genes, involve ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins that participate in oxidation of 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine which can be further oxidized to 5-formylcytosine and 5-carboxylcytosine. Recently, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine was demonstrated to be a relatively stable modification, and the previously observed substantial differences in the level of this modification in various murine tissues were shown to depend mostly on cell proliferation rate. Some experimental evidence supports the hypothesis that 5-hydroxymethyluracil may be also generated by TET enzymes and has epigenetic functions.

Results

Using an isotope-dilution automated online two-dimensional ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, we have analyzed, for the first time, all the products of active DNA demethylation pathway: 5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine, 5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxycytidine, 5-formyl-2′-deoxycytidine and 5-carboxyl-2′-deoxycytidine, as well as 5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxyuridine, in DNA isolated from various rat and porcine tissues. A strong significant inverse linear correlation was found between the proliferation rate of cells and the global level of 5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxycytidine in both porcine (R² = 0.88) and rat tissues (R² = 0.83); no such relationship was observed for 5-formyl-2′-deoxycytidine and 5-carboxyl-2′-deoxycytidine. Moreover, a substrate-product correlation was demonstrated for the two consecutive steps of iterative oxidation pathway: between 5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxycytidine and its product 5-formyl-2′-deoxycytidine, as well as between 5-formyl-2′-deoxycytidine and 5-carboxyl-2′-deoxycytidine (R² = 0.60 and R² = 0.71, respectively).

Conclusions

Good correlations within the substrate-product sets of iterative oxidation pathway may suggest that a part of 5-formyl-2′-deoxycytidine and/or 5-carboxyl-2′-deoxycytidine can be directly linked to a small portion of 5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxycytidine which defines the active demethylation process.     

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of the polar metabolites of nifedipine in plasma, blood and urine

A relatively simple reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of the polar metabolites of nifedipine in biological fluids is described. After conversion of 2-hydroxymethyl-6-methyl-4-(2-nitrophenyl)pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid 5-methyl ester (IV) into 5,7-dihydro-2-methyl-4-(2-nitrophenyl)-5-oxofuro[3,4-b]pyridine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (V) by heating under acidic conditions, V was extracted with n-pentane—dichloromethane (7:3) and analysed on a C₁₈ column with ultraviolet detection. Subsequently, 2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-nitrophenyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid monomethyl ester (III) was extracted with chloroform and analysed on the same system. Limits of determination in blood were 0.1 μg/ml for III and 0.05 μg/ml for IV and V; these limits were two to ten times higher for urine. This inter-assay variability was always less than 7.5%.     

Enzymatic isomerization (Δ7 → Δ8) of the nuclear double bond of 14α-alkyl substituted sterol precursord of cholesterol

The catalysis by rat liver microsomes under anaerobic conditions, of the conversion of [3α-³H]14α-methyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3β-ol and of [2,4-³H]14α-hydroxymethyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3β-ol to labeled 14α-methyl-5α-cholest-8-en-3β-ol and 14α-hydroxymethyl-5α-cholest-8-en-3β-ol, respectively, has been demonstrated. This finding is of importance in evaluating past research in this area and in consideration of pathways and mechanisms involved in enzymatic removal of carbon atom 32 of 14α-methyl sterols. Also described herein are syntheses of [2,4-³H]14α-hydroxymethyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3β-ol and 3β-acetoxy-14α-methyl-5α-cholest-8-ene.     

Chromones from the tubers of Eranthis cilicica and their antioxidant activity

Chemical studies on the constituents of Eranthis cilicica led to isolation of ten chromone derivatives, two of which were previously known. Comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, including extensive 1D and 2D NMR data, and the results of enzymatic hydrolysis allowed the chemical structures of the compounds to be assigned as 8,11-dihydro-5-hydroxy-2,9-dihydroxymethyl-4H-pyrano[2,3-g][1]benzoxepin-4-one, 5,7-dihydroxy-8-[(2E)-4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl]-2-methyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, 5,7-dihydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-8-[(2E)-4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl]-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, 7-[(β-d-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-5-hydroxy-8-[(2E)-4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl]-2-methyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, 7-[(β-d-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-5-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-8-[(2E)-4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl]-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, 9-[(O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl)oxy]methyl-8,11-dihydro-5,9-dihydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyrano[2,3-g][1]benzoxepin-4-one, 8,11-dihydro-5,9-dihydroxy-9-hydroxymethyl-2-methyl-4H-pyrano[2,3-g][1]benzoxepin-4-one, and 7-[(O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl)oxy]methyl-4-hydroxy-5H-furo[3,2-g][1]benzopyran-5-one, respectively. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant activity.     

Evaluation of spin trapping agents and trapping conditions for detection of cell-generated reactive oxygen species

Electron paramagnetic resonance with spin trapping is a useful technique to detect reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide radical anion (O2*-), a key species in many biological processes. We evaluated the abilities of four spin traps in trapping cell-generated O2*-: 5-tert-butoxycarbonyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (BMPO), 2-diethoxyphosphoryl-2-phenethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole N-oxide (DEPPEPO), 5-diethoxyphosphoryl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DEPMPO), and 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO). Optimal experimental conditions for obtaining maximal signal intensity of O2*- adduct in a cellular system were first studied. The maximal intensities of BMPO, DEPMPO, and DMPO adducts were similar while DEPPEPO did not trap cell-generated O2*- induced by 1,6-benzo[a]pyrene quinone in a human mammary epithelial cell line (MCF-10A). BMPO and DEPMPO adducts were more stable, considering the stability of their maximal signal, than DMPO adduct in the tested cellular systems. In addition, we observed that O2*- spin adducts were reduced to their corresponding hydroxyl adducts in the cellular system. The selection of optimal spin trap in trapping cell-generated O2*- is discussed.     

Mononuclear copper(II) nitrato complexes with methyl-substituted 4-nitropyridine N-oxide. Physicochemical and cytotoxic characteristics

Three new complexes, products of the interaction of Cu(NO₃)₂ and methyl-substituted 4-nitropyridine N-oxides were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic, spectroscopic (IR, FIR and EPR), thermal and X-ray methods. The complexes (magnetic moments 1.70-1.81 BM at 300 K) of general formula [Cu(H₂O)(NO₃)₂L₂], L = 2-methyl-4-nitropyridine N-oxide and [Cu(NO₃)₂ L′₂], where L′ = 2,6-dimethyl- and 2,3,6-trimethyl-4-nitropyridine N-oxide were obtained. The compounds were unstable upon dissolution. The X-ray single crystal structure of Cu(II) complex with 2,6-dimethyl-4-nitropyridine N-oxide was determined and analysed. The compounds and free ligands were tested in vitro on the cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and SW-707 human cancer cell lines. The complexes with 4-nitropyridine N-oxide (a reference) and 2-methyl-4-nitropyridine N-oxide show a significant anti-proliferative activity against studied cell lines. A reciprocal relationship between the activity and the number of methyl groups was observed. Both ligands and complexes are cytotoxic active but to the different cell lines.     

The Thiamine Biosynthetic Enzyme ThiC Catalyzes Multiple Turnovers and Is Inhibited by S-Adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) Metabolites

ThiC (4-amino-5-hydroxymethyl-2-methylpyrimidine phosphate synthase; EC 4.1.99.17) is a radical S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) enzyme that uses a [4Fe-4S]⁺ cluster to reductively cleave AdoMet to methionine and a 5′-deoxyadenosyl radical that initiates catalysis. In plants and bacteria, ThiC converts the purine intermediate 5-aminoimidazole ribotide to 4-amino-5-hydroxymethyl-2-methylpyrimidine phosphate, an intermediate of thiamine pyrophosphate (coenzyme B1) biosynthesis. In this study, assay conditions were implemented that consistently generated 5-fold molar excess of HMP, demonstrating that ThiC undergoes multiple turnovers. ThiC activity was improved by in situ removal of product 5′-deoxyadenosine. The activity was inhibited by AdoMet metabolites S-adenosylhomocysteine, adenosine, 5′-deoxyadenosine, S-methyl-5′-thioadenosine, methionine, and homocysteine. Neither adenosine nor S-methyl-5′-thioadenosine had been shown to inhibit radical AdoMet enzymes, suggesting that ThiC is distinct from other family members. The parameters for improved ThiC activity and turnover described here will facilitate kinetic and mechanistic analyses of ThiC.     

Simultaneous determination of triazolo-benzophenone [2′,5-dichloro-2-(3-glycylaminomethyl-5-methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-benzophenone] and its major blood metabolite, triazolam, in monkey plasma by electron-capture gas—liquid chromatography

A gas—liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of triazolobenzophenone [2′,5-dichloro-2-(3-glycylaminomethyl-5-methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-benzophenone, TB] and its major blood metabolite, triazolam, 8-chloro-6-(o-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-4H-s-triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazepine (TZ), in monkey plasma was developed. Decomposition of TB was observed during gas—liquid chromatography. In alkaline medium, TB in plasma was submitted to ring closure reaction to yield triazolo-aminoquinoline, [4-amino-7-chloro-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-4H-s-triazolo[4,3-a]quinoline (TAQ), while TZ remained unaffected, and TAQ and TZ in the benzene extract were assayed by gas—liquid chromatography using an electron-capture detector. The concentration ranges studied were from 5 to 40 ng of TB per 0.5 ml of plasma and from 2 to 20 ng of TZ per 0.5 ml of plasma. This method could be applied to the determination of the plasma levels of TB and TZ in monkeys following intravenous administration of a single 0.2 mg/kg dose of TB.     

Lignin degradation byPhanerochaete chrysosporium: Metabolism of a phenolic phenylcoumaran substructure model compound

The degradation of a lignin substructure model compound, 5-formyl-3-hydroxymethyl-2-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-7-methoxycoumaran (I), in ligninolytic culture of a white-rot wood decay fungus,Phanerochaete chrysosporium, was investigated. It was found that I was hydroxylated or dehydrogenated in its coumaran ring to give 2-(5-formyl-2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-hydroxypropiosyringone (II) and two coumarones, 5-formyl-3-hydroxymethyl-2-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethyoxyphenyl)-7-methoxycoumarone (V) and 3,5-diformyl-2-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-7-methoxycoumarone (VI), II was further converted to 2,6-dimethoxy-p-benzoquinone (IV), syringic acid (III), and 5-carboxyvanillic acid (VIII). These metabolic products were identified by mass spectrometric comparison with the authentic compounds. A proposed pathway for the degradation of I is presented on the basis of these metabolic products. The degradation could be catalyzed mainly by phenol-oxidizing enzymes.Non-Standard Abbreviations TLC thin layer chromatography     

Enantioselective gas chromatographic assay with electron-capture detection for amlodipine in biological samples

A sensitive enantioselective gas chromatographic assay has been developed for amlodipine, 2-[(2-aminoethoxy)-methyl]-4-(2-chlorophenyl)-3-ethoxycarbonyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-6-methyl-1,4-dihydropyridine, a calcium channel blocking therapeutic agent. The assay involves conversion of the (+)-(R)- and (−)-(S)-enantiomers of amlodipine into their acyl derivatives with the chiral reagent (+)-(S)-α-methoxy-α-trifluoromethylphenylacetyl chloride (Mosher's reagent). Peak separation after chromatography of the diastereomers was larger than 85%, and the lower limit of detection in blood plasma was 0.02 ng/ml for each enantiomer. The method has been used for the measurement of amlodipine enantiomers in human, rat and dog plasma, and in various organs of the rat.