Liquid chromatography/luminescence techniques.

The techniques of pre- and post-column reactions in HPLC with fluorimetric detection for catecholamines (CAs) were described. The post-column reactor based on trishydroxyindole formation have frequently used in the routine analysis of CAs. The fluorescence intensity of the derivative dopamine (DA) at 520 nm (with exitation at 410 nm) is weaker than that of the norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) derivatives. Although urinary DA can be detected by using this method, its detection in plasma is difficult. Recently a new pre-column derivatization method using 1,2-diphenylethylenediamine (DPE) was found in Ohkura's laboratory. After the clean-up using a cation-exchange column, CAs were converted into the fluorescent compounds by reaction with DPE. The limites of detection for NE, E and DA were about 2 fmol at a signal-to-noise ratio of 2. DA in plasma can be determined by this method. A modified THI technique with electrochemical oxidation was examined. The above methods are very sensitive and selective for the measurement of CAs (NE, E and/or DA) in biological samples.