Modified electron-capture GLC assay for salsolinol in brain tissue.

A modified assay for a neuroamine-derived tetrahydroisoquinoline, salsolinol, is presented. It combines the ease and rapidity of solvent extraction from brain tiessue with the sensitivity of electron-capture GLC. Detection of salsolinol (1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-methyl-6,7-isoquinolinediol), the alkaloid derived from condensation of dopamine and acetaldehyde, at levels of 5-10 ng/g of brain tissue is possible. The advantages afforded by the modifications are discussed in relation to existing procedures.