[Determination of free and conjugated catecholamines, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in the urine and blood plasma by high pressure liquid chromatography]

Abstract

A method for simultaneous measurement of free and conjugated forms of adrenalin, noradrenaline, dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in the blood plasma and urine by high-pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detector has been developed. The levels of the said substances in 36 normal volunteers and 20 patients with mental disorders are presented. Simultaneous measurements of excretion of free catecholamines and their conjugates permitted a more complete characterization of catecholamine metabolism, which is important for understanding the mechanisms of disorders in catecholamine system in various diseases.