Determination of neurotransmitter systems in human cerebrospinal fluid and rat nervous tissue by high-performance liquid chromatography with on-line data evaluation.

We describe an improved high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of tyrosine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, tryptophan and homovanillic acid in cerebrospinal fluid and nerve tissue, using the new microbore cartridges with 5 micron average particle size. The first four substances are quantified fluorometrically and the last two electrochemically. Both detectors are connected to the same integrator through a relay which can be switched as required. Data are collected in an on-line personal computer and evaluated statistically. An improvement in the method for extraction and separation of catecholamines is also reported.