Fluorescence studies of protoporphyrin. Transport and clearance.

By means of spectrofluorometry porphyrins can be assayed directly in body fluids without extraction. Rapid diagnosis of various primary and secondary porphyrinemias can be made based upon such fluorometric measurements. Fluorometric methods can also provide information about porphyrin binding sites that is useful in understanding porphyrin transport and clearance. Free erythrocyte protoporphyrin produced in the circulating red cells of lead intoxicated Mallard ducks rapidly diffuses from those cells.