Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System
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Identification of Sildenafil (Viagra) and Metabolites in Equine Plasma and Urine Samples by LC/MS/MS

J.A. Rudy, C.E. Uboh, L.R. Soma, M. Khaler, E. Birks, and D.S. Tsang

Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology and Research Laboratory
and
University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

Sildenafil is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). By preventing the breakdown of GMP it will promote the availability of nitric oxide, NO, a signal substance that causes relaxation of the smooth muscle in the target organ.

The advent of a new principle, amplification of the NO-signaling cascade by means of target organ selective phosphodiesterase inhibition, has renewed interest in phosphodiesterases and cGMP.

The widespread availability of Viagra has led to rumors of usage in racing equines.

To address this issue methods for the analysis of equine urine and plasma were developed using positive ion electrospray liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (MSMS).

Preliminary results of equine administrations and random track population screenings are presented with identification of primary plasma and urinary analytes.

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