Column-chromatographic analysis of naturally fluorescing compounds. II. Rapid analysis of indoleacetic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in biological samples.

A previously described [OLIN. CHEM. 18, 778(1972)] ch romatogra phic sepa ration and fluorometric system has been adapted to determination of 5hyd roxyindole-3-acetic acid and indole-3-acetic acid in body fluids and biological extracts. A strong anion-exchange resin, “Aminex A-27,” is used. The indoleacetic acids are eluted at 60#{176}C with a single ammonium acetate-acetic acid buffer. No gradient programming or post-column reaction designed to enhance the fluorescence of the desired compounds is necessary. The sensitivity of the detector allows analysis of 100 ng of each acid in the sample loaded onto the column.