Forensic science international
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Review Case Reports
Distribution of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) stereoisomers in a fatal poisoning.
This communication presents the quantitation and differential distribution of the enantiomers of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and its physiologically active metabolite 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) in a fatal poisoning following insufflation of MDMA, cocaine and heroin. Animal studies have demonstrated the stereoselective pharmacokinetics and neurotoxicity of these compounds; however, enantiomeric distributions have not been reported in humans. Quantitation of MDMA and MDA enantiomer was by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) following chiral derivatization with N-trifluoroacetyl-L-triproyl chloride (LTPC). ⋯ These fluids also contained twice the concentration of S(+)-MDA than the R(-)-isomer. These data indicate that S(+)-MDMA is metabolized and eliminated faster than R(-)-MDMA. The results appear to support the findings in animals regarding stereoselective metabolism of MDMA.