Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid concentration of phenylacetic acid in humans and monkeys.

A rapid and reliable mass-fragmentographic method for assay of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of free and conjugated phenylacetic acid (PAA) is described. The method is used to compare plasma and CSF concentrations of PAA in humans and monkeys. Both packed and capillary columns are used. In humans approximately 45% of total plasma PAA is conjugated in contrast to approximately 60% in monkeys. Both free and conjugated PAA concentrations tend to be higher in monkeys than in humans. Plasma mean concentration of total PAA in humans and monkeys are, respectively, 459.1 and 838 ng/ml. Approximately 55 and 25% of total PAA in the CSF are conjugated in humans and monkeys, respectively. Total PAA mean concentrations in human and monkey CSF are 41.6 and 84.2 ng/ml. Because over 90% of total urine PAA in humans is conjugated, it is concluded that over 50% of urine phenylacetylglutamine may be derived from kidney conjugation of free plasma PAA and/or from the kidney's preferential filtration of conjugated PAA as contrasted with free PAA.