Electron-capture determination of metoclopramide in biological fluids using fused silica capillary columns: application to placental transport studies in sheep and humans

An electron-capture gas—liquid chromatographic assay for metoclopramide using cross-linked fused silica capillary columns which provids improved selectivity and sensitivity is reported. A 25 m × 0.31 mm fused silica capillary column was used for all analyses. Linearity was observed in the range of 4–40 ng of metoclopramide base per 0.25–0.5 ml of plasma. This represents from ca. 0.9–9.0 pg at the detector employing a split ratio of 30:1 and an injection volume of 2 μl. Applicability of the method is demostrated by the analysis of human and sheep plasma (maternal, fetal and neonatal) from metoclopramide placental transfer studies.