Thiamine pyrophosphate determination in whole blood and erythrocytes by high performance liquid chromatography.

A sensitive method for the measurement of thiamine pyrophosphate in whole blood and erythrocytes, using a straight-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), is described. The method was based on sample extraction with trichloracetic acid, conversion of the vitamer to the corresponding high fluorescent thiochrome ester, and separation and measurement of the derivative by HPLC. Evidence for reproducibility and accuracy of the assay is presented. Data indicating the thiamine pyrophosphate levels to be expected in blood and erythrocytes of healthy humans are included.