A rapid column chromatographic procedure for the routine measurement of taurine in plasma of normals and depressed patients.

A rapid method has been developed for the routine measurement of taurine in plasma. A preliminary clean-up step has made it possible to assay multiple samples in a relatively short period of time using the excellent sensitivity and specificity of the analytical column of the automatic amino acid analyzer. The speed and specificity of the method permits its use for the routine measurement of taurine in blood samples. Employing this method, a value of 45+/-4nmol taurine per ml platelet free plasma (mean+/-S.E.M.) was obtained for normal healthy adults. Analysis of plasma from depressed patients who are free of drugs as well as from depressed patients under treatment with drugs gave values of 29+/-2 and 25+/-3 nmol taurine per ml platelet free plasma (mean+/-S.E.M.), respectively.