SERUM AND TISSUE HOMOCYSTEINE ANALYSIS BY HPLC

A simplified HPLC method for analysis of homocysteine based on a two s tep procedure is described. In the first step, a simultaneous reductio n, and derivatization of this amino acid in the presence of serum prot eins takes place. In the second step proteins are removed by acid prec ipitation followed by an HPLC with fluorescence detection. The method is rapid and utilizes small volumes of serum. Both serum and tissues w ere analyzed by this method. The reference range for serum is 4-16 mu mol/L, n=34. Patients with renal failure are shown to have elevated me an serum levels (18.5 mu mol/L, n=20) compared to normal individuals ( 10.1 mu mol/L, n=34).