FLUORIMETRIC DETERMINATION OF 5-HYDROXYINDOLEACETIC ACID IN HUMAN URINE AND CEREBROSPINAL FLUID

A simple fluorimetric determination of 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid in human urine and cerebrospinal fluid, based on fluorophore formation with o-phthalaldehyde, is described. Normal excretion values of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid of 5 persons were 1.8-4.5 mg/24 h. Concentration of 5-HIAA in cerebrospinal fluid of 5 patients of a neurological clinic ranged from 0.005 to 0.03 μg/ml. Spectrum analysis and thin-layer chromatography proved that there was no difference between the data of authentic 5-HIAA and those of the urine extract. No interfering compounds could be detected on a thin-layer chromatogram. © 1969.