Barbiturates are a class of around 12 compounds derivatized from barbituric acid. They are central nervous system (CNS) depressants and can be used as sedatives, hypnotics, anaesthetics and anti-epileptic drugs. Barbiturates can be divided into three main groups according to their duration of action. The ultra-short-acting barbiturates are used clinically as anaesthetics while the long-acting barbiturates have anti-convulsant properties. The short-acting compounds are typically used as hypnotics (1, 2). The short-acting barbiturates are extensively metabolised by the liver to more pharmacologically inactive hydroxylated compounds. Only a small proportion of parent compound (<0.2%) appears in the urine collected after 24 hours. However, with large doses, there is usually sufficient of the parent compound present to give an adequate response and some of the hydroxylated metabolites will also crossreact in immunoassays (1).
Applications:
Suitable for use in ELISA or as a standard in imunological assays.
Recommended Dilution:
Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.
Precursor: Secobarbital-5
Storage and Stability:
May be stored at 4 degrees C for short-term only. For long-term storage and to avoid repeated freezing and thawing, aliquot and add glycerol (40-50%). Freeze at -20 degrees C or colder. Aliquots are stable for at least 6 months at -20 degrees C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.
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