Femtogram detection limits for biogenic amines using microbore HPLC with electrochemical detection.

Detection limits for biogenic amines, serotonin (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, 5-hydroxytryptophan, norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), of 50-200 fg are reported. This was accomplished using microbore HPLC with electrochemical detection. Reproducibility at the 1-5 pg level of 1.6-8.1% was obtained. The utility of this approach is demonstrated for analysis of brain tissues of 1 microgram or less.