Determination of Clenbuterol in Pig Liver Following Prolonged Administration of a Growth-Promoting Dose

Abstract

Liver concentrations of clenbuterol, a β2-adrenergic agonist, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 12 female pigs on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 after prolonged administration of a growth-promoting dose of clenbuterol. The analytical procedure showed good recovery (>80 %), while intra-assay results showed acceptable variation in individual measurements for all samples to which 0.5, 2 or 5 ng/g clenbuterol were added (RSD 80 % clenbuterol depletion in pig liver occurred during the first 7 days after cessation of administration, however, more than 14 days were required for the clenbuterol concentration to fall below the maximal residual level of 0.5 ng/g. On day 21 of clenbuterol discontinuation, residues of the drug were detectable in pig liver (0.22 ng/g), suggesting that clenbuterol residues persist in liver as an edible tissue and may induce a risk for consumer health.

Keywords

• β2-adrenergic agonist
• residual clenbuterol
• anabolic agent
• enzyme immunoassay
• pig liver