A simple thin-layer-chromatographic method for detection of urinary homocystine.

For the detection of homocystine in urine specimens, a simple thin-layer chromatographic method was devised. Thirty ƒÊl of urine specimens without any prior treatment were applied onto a silica gel-G plate, and developed by ascending chromatography using a phenol water mixture (3: 1) containing 0.05 0 0 potassium cyanide. After developing and drying the plate, a slightly modified potassium iodoplatinate reagent was sprayed. Homocystine, cystine, methionine, cystathionine and histidine were clearly separated with different Rf values of 23-27, 12-13, 59-64, 14-16 and 40-42, respectively.