The Use of Feathers from Racing Pigeons for Doping Control Purposes

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2019

Authors

Moreira, FX (Author) Other; Helena Carmo (Author) FFUP; Melo, A (Author) Other; Andre, MB (Author) Other; Silva, R (Author) Other; Azevedo, Z (Author) Other; Maria de Lourdes Bastos (Author) FFUP; de Pinho, PG (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Analytical Toxicology

Vol. 43

Pages: 307-315

ISSN: 0146-4760

Publisher: Perston Publications, Inc.

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 4 Citations

Scopus - 6 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Q-GMD

DOI: 10.1093/jat/bky088

Abstract (EN): The development of accurate and reliable analytical methodologies to detect the abuse of doping agents in sport animals is crucial to ensure their welfare, as well as to support continuing social acceptance of these sports. The detection of doping agents in racing pigeons is difficult, especially owing to the disadvantages and limitations of obtaining samples from conventional matrices. The present study aimed to develop and validate an analytical methodology combining a two-step extraction procedure (liquid-liquid extraction and solid-phase extraction) in feathers from racing pigeons with analysis by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) that enabled the simultaneous detection of a beta-agonist drug (clenbuterol) and three corticosteroids (prednisolone, betamethasone and budesonide). The method was validated concerning linearity (with coefficients of determination always higher than 0.99), accuracy (87.3-112.4%), precision (repeatability and intermediate precision coefficient of variation (CV%) always below 15%), recovery (71.6-98.2%), limits of detection (0.24-0.52 ng/g) and quantification (0.79 and 0.1.74 ng/g) and specificity. The applicability of the method was performed using feathers from pigeons administered orally with a daily dose of 0.075 mg of betamethasone. The drug was administered during 60 days and successive analyses of feathers were performed, at the end of the administration protocol and also after ceasing the oral administration of the drug, for a three weeks period.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9