The presence of free and conjugated bufotenin in normal human urine.

The N,N-dimethylated derivative of serotonin, bufotenin , is excreted into normal human urine as a free amine. Conjugation of bufotenin is, however, possible because of the phenolic hydroxyl group on the molecule. In the present study the urinary excretion of free and conjugated bufotenin of ten healthy, drug free subjects was examined. Acid as well as enzymatic hydrolysis was used to liberate the amine from its conjugate. Quantification was achieved by isotope dilution mass fragmentography. Of total urinary bufotenin a relatively constant amount, 59.9 - 69.0%, was excreted in conjugated form. The conjugate was tentatively identified as a glucuronide.