Forensic Toxicology

Abstract  The accumulation of intravenously administered methamphetamine (MAMP) in the stomach contents was investigated as part of
a process used to discriminate between oral and intravenous administration of MAMP. Eight forensic autopsy cases, in which
intravenous administration of MAMP was confirmed, were used. Total amounts and pH values of stomach contents were in the ranges
of 20–500 g and 3–5 (determined in seven cases), respectively. Intervals between the last MAMP administration and each death
could be roughly estimated in four cases: 1–3 h in two cases and 3–6 h in two cases. MAMP levels in stomach contents and whole
blood were in the ranges of 0.816–43.4 µg/g (total amounts: 0.114–1.95 mg) and 0.236–14.6 µg/ml, respectively. The mean ratio
of MAMP...

In this study, we
established a detailed procedure for analysis of 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA), the main metabolite of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, in human urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) using SBSE with liquid
desorption. For quantitative analysis, an external calibration method was used. A urine sample was fi rst hydrolyzed under
strong alkaline conditions, followed by SBSE with a Twister stir bar at about pH 3. The analyte was desorbed from the bar
with a small amount of ethyl acetate. After evaporation of the solvent, it was reconstituted in water-methanol mixture for
LC-MS-MS analysis in the selected reaction monitoring mode. The calibration curve for THCA was linear in the range of 10–200
ng/ml urine. The lower limit of de...

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorDOI 10.1007/s11419-009-0082-1Authors
Kenji Tsujikawa, National Research Institute of Police Science 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha Kashiwa Chiba 277-0882 JapanKenji Kuwayama, National Research Institute of Police Science 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha Kashiwa Chiba 277-0882 JapanHajime Miyaguchi, National Research Institute of Police Science 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha Kashiwa Chiba 277-0882 JapanTatsuyuki Kanamori, National Research Institute of Police Science 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha Kashiwa Chiba 277-0882 JapanYuko T. Iwata, National Research Institute of Police Science 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha Kashiwa Chiba 277-0882 JapanHiroyuki Inoue, National Research Institute of Police Science 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha Kashiwa Chiba 277-0882 Japan

Journal Forensic ToxicologyOnline ISSN 1...

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorDOI 10.1007/s11419-009-0085-yAuthors
Fumio Moriya, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Welfare Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama 701-0193 Japan

Journal Forensic ToxicologyOnline ISSN 1860-8973Print ISSN 1860-8965 (Source: Forensic Toxicology)

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorDOI 10.1007/s11419-009-0080-3Authors
Pinjia Meng, Chinese People’s Public Security University Department of Forensic Science Muxidi Nanli 1# Xicheng District, Beijing 100038 P.R. ChinaPierre Margot, University of Lausanne Institute de Police Scientifique Lausanne-Dorigny Switzerland

Journal Forensic ToxicologyOnline ISSN 1860-8973Print ISSN 1860-8965 (Source: Forensic Toxicology)

Abstract  Since 1992, California police have been using pepper sprays containing oleoresin capsicum (OC) as a nonlethal method to subdue
delirious or violent individuals. Capsaicin is a primary ingredient in OC spray. From January 1993 to June 1995, at least
20 deaths in California were associated with OC and stimulant drug (cocaine, amphetamines, or ephedrines) exposure. Based
on this background, we hypothesized a direct potentiation of cocaine toxicity by capsaicin. We performed animal experiments
and also reviewed human data involving capsaicin and stimulants. The lethal effects of capsaicin administered with cocaine
(both compounds administered intraperitoneally) were assessed in 14 groups of 20–40 male mice. Capsaicin at 10 mg/kg increased
the lethality of cocaine in...

We describe a homicide case involving Aconitum tuberous roots, in which formalin-fixed solid tissues were analyzed for diester-type Aconitum alkaloids and their hydrolysates by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). The specimens were taken from
a cadaver 12 days after death, and preserved in formalin solution for 5 years. Polymer-based solid-phase extraction was employed
for sample cleanup. This procedure allowed detection of 0.10 ng/g for each of the spiked alkaloids from the formalin-fixed
liver by quadrupole LC-MS-MS, and 10 pg/g for benzoylaconine and benzoylmesaconine by ion-trap LC-MS-MS. Sub-parts-per-billion
levels of benzoylaconine and benzoylmesaconine could be detected from the formalin-fixed liver, kidney, and lung specimens.

Content Type Journal Art...

Abstract  A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method has been developed for assays of five barbiturates in human urine using
a new thermoresponsive polymer separation column, which is composed of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide). By elevating the column temperature from 10°C to 50°C, the barbiturates metharbital, primidone, phenobarbital,
mephobarbital, and pentobarbital became well separated by this method. The five barbiturates showed good linearity in the
range of 0.2–10 μg/ml. Good accuracy, precision, and recoveries for these drugs were obtained at 1 and 5 μg/ml urine. The
method with this new column type seems to have high potential for extensive use in forensic toxicology for analysis of many
drugs and poisons by HPLC and HPLC-mass spectrometry.

Conten...

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorDOI 10.1007/s11419-009-0077-yAuthors
Wonkyung Yang, National Institute of Scientific Investigation 331-1, Sinwol-7-dong, Yangcheon-gu Seoul 158-707 Republic of KoreaSooyeun Lee, National Institute of Scientific Investigation 331-1, Sinwol-7-dong, Yangcheon-gu Seoul 158-707 Republic of KoreaYoungshik Choi, National Institute of Scientific Investigation Central District Office Daejeon Republic of KoreaHeesun Chung, National Institute of Scientific Investigation 331-1, Sinwol-7-dong, Yangcheon-gu Seoul 158-707 Republic of Korea

Journal Forensic ToxicologyOnline ISSN 1860-8973Print ISSN 1860-8965 (Source: Forensic Toxicology)