Abstract
A new procedure for determining urinary serotonin in normal subjects was presented. In 23 normals, mean serotonin excretion was 5.28 ± 1.95 μg/h. An improved 5-HIAA test was given. It can be used as a screening method in suspected metastatic carcinoid syndrome patients or for obtaining rapid 5-HIAA results in metabolically normal subjects not taking interfering drugs. A longer and more specific 5-HIAA method was described wherein 5-HIAA and 5-HTP were separated from each other and from serotonin and all three measured independently. Normal subjects failed to show significant increases in urinary serotonin excretion following ingestion of bananas, although their 5-HIAA output levels may approach levels characteristic for metastatic carcinoid patients. 5-HTP determination may be a useful adjunct to urinary serotonin and 5-HIAA in the diagnosis of metastatic carcinoid syndrome, but is subject to severe interference by phenacetin-containing drugs.
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