A RAPID MICROASSAY FOR DICHLOROACETATE IN SERUM BY GEL-PERMEATION CHROMATOGRAPHY

We have developed a novel, rapid microassay for dichloroacetate in the serum. The serum sample is directly injected into a gel-permeation hi gh-performance liquid chromatography apparatus. The peak of dichloroac etate appears after a giant protein peak. The method requires a very s mall amount of serum (10 mu l), and the analysis time is short (20 min ). Using this micro method, we measured the serum concentrations of di chloroacetate in healthy adult volunteers and paediatric patients with congenital lactic acidosis. Although the effect of dichloroacetate on the neurological manifestations of congenital lactic acidosis has not been proved to be beneficial, the potential usefulness of dichloroace tate in refractory lactic acidosis in cardiac and respiratory failure has been recognized, and human as well as animal studies have been und ertaken in many laboratories. To prevent possible side effects of dich loroacetate, it has been recommended that the minimal effective dose b e used. Our microassay method is useful for both human and animal expe riments, even after administration of minimal doses.