Study of the metabolism of testosterone, nandrolone and estradiol in cattle†

Abstract

The current metabolism study was undertaken to identify key analytes in urine, plasma and bile following testosterone, nandrolone and estradiol administrations to cull cows, heifers and steers. This information will be used to develop confirmatory analysis procedures. In the present study, mixtures (1:1) of testosterone, nandrolone or estradiol and their deuterium labelled analogues were administered to cull cows, heifers and steers. Two analogues of deuterium labelled testosterone were synthesised and administered, to facilitate identification of metabolites. Following administration, urine, plasma and bile samples were collected and subjected to solid phase extraction. The extracts were derivatised and analysed by GC-MS. The major analytes derived from the administered steroids were identified on the basis of the twin ion peaks produced for their non-labelled and deuterium labelled analogues and their stereochemistries determined by comparison of retention times with appropriate reference standards. Using suitable internal markers, excretion profiles for the major analytes in urine and plasma have been determined and levels in isolated bile samples estimated. This work is on-going, and this paper is a summary of some of the studies completed to date.