The Use of Thin-Layer Chromatography in Experimental Xenobiology

Studies of the metabolism and disposition of most drugs or other xenobiotics share one common feature: the need for an analytical method to measure the xenobiotic and/or its biotransformation products in biosamples. Although chromatographic methods such as GC and HPLC are important and preferred by some laboratories, initial investigations of new xenobiotic entities are often conducted using radiolabeled compounds, and, in such instances, TLC assay methods are frequently selected. TLC is utilized in xenobiotic metabolism and disposition studies to evaluate the radiochemical purity of labeled xenobiotics, the extent of metabolism, the profile of metabolites in blood and excreta, the concentrations of the xenobiotic and specific metabolites in blood and other biosamples, the stability of the xenobiotic and its metabolites in biosamples, and the relative behavior of metabolites and reference compounds. Preparative TLC is frequently used to isolate specific metabolites. Thin-layer radiochromatography (TLRC) has been utilized to study the pharma-cokinetics of drugs and other xenobiotics in man and in animals. Especially where radiolabeled compounds are used, TLC provides an attractive chromatographic alternative to GC and HPLC in research in experimental xenobiology.