HPLC analysis of blood–brain barrier penetration of 4-fluorodeprenyl

•A reversed-phase HPLC method was developed and validated for the determination of 4-fluorodeprenyl.•The level of 4-fluorodeprenyl was monitored in various body compartments of rats.•Definite blood–brain barrier penetration of 4-fluorodeprenyl was stated. Validated HPLC analysis was developed in order to monitor the level of 4-fluorodeprenyl in rats. Male Wistar rats were intraperitoneally treated with 30mg/kg of (−)-4-fluorodeprenyl. The rats were sacrificed after 5, 15, 30 and 60min of treatment, and various tissues were isolated, such as serum, brain, CSF, liver, testis and lacrimal gland. Perchloric acid was given to aliquots, which were then homogenized, centrifuged and the supernatants were taken. The 4-fluorodeprenyl content was determined using reversed-phase HPLC, based on the comparison of the calibration line of the spiked samples. The level of 4-fluorodeprenyl was between 0.5 and 24μg/g, showing maximum concentration in the brain and the liver after 5min following its administration and in serum, CSF, testis, eyes and lacrimal gland after 15min following its administration, while a relatively high concentration was found in the liver and the lacrimal gland.