A semi-automated measurement of urinary catecholamines using high-speed ion-exchange column chromatography.

Semi-automated measurement of urinary catecholamines, specific for dopa, noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopamine and other metabolites has been developed. Steps included alumina extraction, separation by high-speed ion-exchange column chromatography and fluorescent development by trihydroxyindole (THI) method without interference by other fluorescent substances. Recovery, reproducibility and sensitivity were satisfactory. alpha-Methyldopa, a metabolite of alpha-methyldopa, and isoproterenol were separated completely without interfering with the measurement of noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopamine.