Simultaneous determination and different distribution of acetyldopamine dimers in Cicadae Periostracum by UPLC method

Objective To establish a method for simultaneous determination of three kinds of acetyldopamine dimers content and valuate in the distribution of Cicadae Periostracum.Methods Three acetyldopamine dimers were isolated by silica gel chromatography,ODS chromatography and HPLC chromatography.The method of their content determination was established by UPLC.Results All the three components achieved baseline separation with good linearity.The contents of 1,2 and 3 in Cicadae Periostracum from different parts varied significantly.Respectively,the contents of 1,2 and 3 were the highest in the former chela of Cicadae Periostracum.The contents of 1,2 and 3 in the abdominal were the lowest,only 1/5 of those in the former chela.The contents of 1,2 and 3 in head and chest were close,which were 1/2 of those in the former chela.Conclusions This method is simple,reliable and repeatable,and is suitable for the determination of the three acetyldopamine dimers in Cicadae Periostracum.In view of effective ingredient content of differences distribution in Cicadae Periostracum,it is necessary to pay attention to the integrity and evenness of the sample in clinical usage.