HPLC analysis of metabolically produced formaldehyde.

Radiolabelled (-)-deprenyl is orally administered to rats, and urinary elimination of radiolabelled formaldehyde is detected. The separation is performed using high-performance liquid chromatography on octadecyl-silica stationary phase. Both the radioactivity and the UV absorbance of the dinitrophenylhydrazine formaldehyde peak are determined. Formaldehyde generation takes place by N-demethylation. Low levels of formaldehyde may have a beneficial role in counterbalancing the oxidative stress of the everyday person's life.