Analysis of CSF Amine Metabolites and Precursors including Tryptophan, 5HIAA and HVA by HPLC using Fluorescence and Electrochemical Detection in Primates: Effect of Probenecid

Abstract

In vivo studies on the turnover of brain monoamines in man, and in animals, in relation to pathological and drug induced changes would be very much facilitated by a simple and sensitive method for measuring the principal amine metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Chronic studies, especially in subhuman primates also require a technique for repetitive sampling We describe here an high-pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) technique for the estimation of the major metabolites, and the amino acid precursors, of the three principal brain monoamines in untreated CSF. Its use is exemplified by observing the effect of probenecid on tryptophan, 5HIAA and HVA levels in successive CSF samples obtained from the IVth ventricle of primates using a chronically implanted sampling device.