A Sensitive and Specific Method for the Estimation of Bromocriptine Using

IN T RO DU C T IO N Bromocriptine, 2-bromoergocriptine, is a semi-synthetic derivative of a natural ergot alkaloid, ergocriptin (a derivative of lysergic acid), that is synthesized by bromination of ergocriptin using N-bromosuccinimide. Bromocriptine is a dopamine agonist that is used in the treatment of pituitary tumors, Parkinson’s disease (PD), hyperprolactinaemia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and type II diabetes. Bromocriptine is classified as an ergopeptide, comprising ergoline derivatives that contain a tripeptide structure attached to the basic ergoline ring in the same location as that of the amide group of the lysergic acid derivatives. Typically, the ergopeptides comprise two other α-amino acids linked in an unusual cyclol formation >N-C(OH)< with the carboxyl carbon of proline, at the juncture between the two lactam rings.