A highly specific stable isotope dilution assay for plasma 6-oxo-prostaglandin F1 alpha has been developed. The method employs capillary column gas chromatography coupled with negative ion chemical ionisation mass spectrometry. The limit of sensitivity of the assay is 0.5 pg.m1(-1). Concentrations of 6-oxo-prostaglandin F1 alpha in the plasma of 20 healthy volunteers determined by this assay were all below 3 pg.m1(-1). The levels were much lower than any previously reported and confirms that prostacyclin is not a circulating hormone in man under normal physiological conditions.
