LC-MS/MS analysis of endo- and phytocannabinoids in biological samples

The endocannabinoid system is a recently discovered transmitter system that is critical for many aspects of body functioning. It controls and regulates such functions as learning, memory, temperature, sleep, pain control, eating, immune responses, and others. The endocannabinoid system operates through a network of receptors densely populated in the body and brain. The receptors are stimulated by chemical compounds namely, endocannabinoids produced by the body. The cannabinoid receptors in the brain are the CB1 receptors. The second type of receptors namely, the CB2 receptors are located in the immune tissues and play a role in controlling immune functioning (inflammation, contraction, pain). Two of the best-known endocannabinoids are anandamide and  2-arachidonoylglycerol.

Phytocannabinoids found in cannabis or other plants, and synthetic cannabinoids can bind to the cannabinoid receptors with positive or negative consequences for a user.

Instrumental: QTRAP 6500+ mass spectrometer (Sciex) coupled with Nexera binary UPLC (Shimadzu). The mass spectrometer was operated in positive or negative ESI scheduled MRM modes. Chromatographic separations were carried out using the Acclaim-C30 column (2.1×150 mm, 3µ particle size, Dionex) using a linear gradient of ACN/water (with 0.1% acetic acid). The instrument was controlled and data were analyzed using Analyst and MultiQuant software respectively (Sciex).

The method was used for the analysis of endo and phytocannabinoids in plasma and tissue samples.