Rapid determination of adenine nucleotides in brain tissue by ion-paired reversed-phase column liquid chromatography under isocratic conditions.

A rapid method for analysis of adenine nucleotides (AMP, ADP and ATP) in nervous tissue based on ion-paired reversed-phase column liquid chromatography under isocratic conditions is described. An optimal composition of elution buffer was 25 mM potassium phosphate and 4% triethylamine adjusted to pH 6.5 with phosphoric acid. Typical separation time did not exceed 10 min with a 10-cm long compact glass cartridge packed with 5-microns silica C18. The method was employed to determine ATP, ADP and AMP concentrations in rat brain extracts and values thus obtained were compared with those published elsewhere.