Determination of Spinal Cord Monamines and Metabolites Using Three Micron Columns and Dual Electrochemical Detection

Abstract

A method, based on liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection, for the simultaneous determination of monoamines (norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin) and their major metabolites (4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenethylene glycol, homovanillic acid, 5-hydroxy-indole-3-acetic acid) in small segments of spinal cord (ca. 30-70 mg tissue wet weight) is presented. The combination of two recent technological advances; short reversed-phase columns packed with 3 micron diameter particles and parallel dual-electrode amperometric detectors, has allowed the resolution and quantitation of a large number of electroactive species in a relatively short time and with a high degree of confidence regarding peak purity. Aspects of the performance of the method are discussed. The calculated concentrations of the analytes of interest are presented, and compared to previously reported values obtained using other analytical techniques.