Paper chromatographic detection of sugars in normal and dystrophic human urines

Abstract

A method has been developed, involving the use of a mixed-bed resin column, for the preparation of a urine concentrate suitable for the paper chromatographic detection of small amounts of sugars. The urines of 15 normal adults and 11 children and adults afflicted with muscular dystrophy were examined. The following sugars are commonly present in the urines from normal humans: lactose, galactose, glucose, ribulose, arabinose, xylose, ribose, glucuronolactone, fructose, xylulose, fucose, sucrose, mannoheptulose, and sedoheptulose. The presence in urine of the last four sugars has not been reported previously. The same sugars were found in the urine of persons with muscular dystrophy. Under the conditions of this study, that is, without 24-hr, urine samples from the patients, there were no obvious changes from the normal range of spot sizes and intensities.