Profiles in altered metabolism. II.--Accumulation of homogentisic acid in serum and urine following acetylsalicylic acid ingestion.

Homogentisic acid elevations have been found in urine and serum of patients on long term heavy salicylate therapy and those acutely intoxicated with acetylsalicylic acid. Loading of two normal volunteers with single oral acetylsalicylate doses produced transient elevations in urinary homogentisic acid excretion. These findings suggest that heavy salicylate use results in the partial inhibition of homogentisic acid oxidase in vivo.