Detection of Cocaine in Rats from Analysis of Hair

Abstract

The detection of benzoylecgonine in the hair of cocainetreated rats is studied with the use of RIA technique. The cocaine metabolite can be determined in whole hair of rats up to ten days after the last administration of the drug. Benzoylecgonine can be detected in the hair of cocaine-treated rats with the use of the radioimmunoassay technique after sample extraction. After a period of ten days, cocaine metabolites could be detected under the conditions described in the experimental procedure. The concentrations of benzoylecgonine ranged between 23,94 and 47,56 ng/g. The analysis of hair by means of a sensitive and specific method such as radioimmunoassay would be highly advantageous since hair samples are easily accessible, stable and retain the drug for long periods of time.