Analysis Of Biogenic Amines Research Articles

Micellar electrokinetic biofluid analysis of biogenic amines using on-line sample concentration and UV laser-induced native fluorescence detection

A simple and sensitive sweeping micellar electrokinetic chromatography method coupled with UV laser-induced native fluorescence detection has been developed for quantitative analysis of biogenic amines in biofluids. The background electrolyte comprised 30 mmol L −1 phosphoric acid and 20 mmol L −1 sodium dodecyl sulfate. The concentration limits of detection of analytes using sweeping-micellar electrokinetic chromatography (sweeping-MEKC) were in the range 7–100 nmol L −1, which were 250–3600-fold improvement for dopamine, DOPA and epinephrine compared with conventional capillary zone electrophoresis. An improvement of approximately 20-fold was observed for all analytes compared with typical micellar electrokinetic chromatography conditions. Baseline separation was achieved for the all analytes within 12 min and migration-time and peak-area repeatability were better than RSD 0.35% and 5.68%, respectively. The developed method was applied to measure the biogenic amines in biofluids extracted from wheat phloem sap, human plasma and human urine.

In Vivo Electrochemical Measurements of Exogenously Applied Dopamine in Drosophila melanogaster

Carbon-fiber microelectrodes coupled with electrochemical detection have been used extensively for the analysis of biogenic amines. In order to determine the functional role of these amines, in vivo studies have primarily used rats and mice as model organisms. Here, we report on the development of these microanalytical techniques for in vivo electrochemical detection of dopamine in the adult Drosophila melanogaster central nervous system (CNS). A triple-barrel micropipet injector was used to exogenously apply three different concentrations of dopamine, and a cylindrical carbon-fiber microelectrode was placed in the protocerebral anterior medial brain area where dopamine neurons are densely populated. Background-subtracted fast-scan cyclic voltammetry was used to measure dopamine concentration in the fly CNS. Distinct differences are shown for the clearance of exogenously applied dopamine in the brains of wild type flies versus fumin (fmn) mutants lacking a functional dopamine transporter. The current response due to oxidation of dopamine increased significantly from baseline for wild type flies following cocaine incubation. Interestingly, the current remained unchanged for mutant flies under the same conditions. These data confirm the accepted theory that cocaine blocks dopamine transporter function and validates the use of in vivo electrochemical methods to monitor dopamine uptake in Drosophila. Furthermore, after incubation with tetrodotoxin (TTX), a sodium channel blocker, there was a significant increase in peak oxidation current in the wild type flies; however, the current did not significantly change in the fmn mutant. These data suggest that factors that affect neuronal activity via ion channels such as TTX also influence the function of the dopamine transporter in Drosophila.

Simultaneous determination of twelve biogenic amines in serum by high performance liquid chromatography

In this study, we established a method for simultaneously determining twelve biogenic amines in serum by using reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The biogenic amines were first extracted from human serum by perchloric acid solution and derivatized by dansyl chloride. An ODS column was selected as separation column at 40 °C. The mobile phase solutions were consisted of A, 0.1 mol/L ammonium acetate and B, acetonitrile. A gradient elution was carried out with a flow rate at 1.0 ml/ml. The results show that the detection limit for twelve biogenic amines ranged between 0.0621 and 0.628 μg/L. All the correlation coefficients were above 0.999. The linearity was over the range from 0.001 to 20 mg/L depending on individual biogenic amine. The intra-day and inter-day coefficients of variations were from 0.53% to 7.50%，and from 1.10% to 7.25% respectively. The average analytical recovery in serum was from 92.02% to 107.65%. Moreover, the serum concentrations of tryptamine, tyramine and histamine in healthy females were found lower than that in healthy males significantly. The method is sensitive, convenient, and reliable, and suitable for simultaneous analysis of multiple biogenic amines in the clinical diagnosis and drug discovery.

Simultaneous analysis of free amino acids and biogenic amines in honey and wine samples using in loop orthophthalaldeyde derivatization procedure

This work presents a RP-HPLC method for the simultaneous quantification of free amino acids and biogenic amines in liquid food matrices and the results of the application to honey and wine samples obtained from different production processes and geographic origins. The developed methodology is based on a pre-column derivatization with o-phthaldialdehyde carried out in the sample injection loop. The compounds were separated in a Nova-Pack RP-C 18 column (150 mm × 3.9 mm, 4 μm) at 35 °C. The mobile phase used was a mixture of phase A: 10 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.3), methanol and tetrahydrofuran (91:8:1); and phase B: methanol and phosphate buffer (80:20), with a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. Fluorescence detection was used at an excitation wavelength of 335 nm and an emission wavelength of 440 nm. The separation and quantification of 19 amino acids and 6 amines was carried out in a single run as their OPA/MCE derivatives elute within 80 min, ensuring a reproducible quantification. The method showed to be adequate for the purpose, with an average RSD of 2% for the different amino acids; detection limits varying between 0.71 mg/l (Asn) and 8.26 mg/l (Lys) and recovery rates between 63.0% (Cad) and 98.0% (Asp). The amino acids present at the highest concentration in honey and wine samples were phenylalanine and arginine, respectively. Only residual levels of biogenic amines were detected in the analysed samples.

Liquid chromatography method for simultaneous analysis of amino acids and biogenic amines in biological fluids with simultaneous gradient of pH and acetonitrile

A liquid chromatography method for simultaneous analysis of amino acids, polyamines, catecholeamines and metanephrines in human body fluids after derivatization with 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl chloride was developed. The chromatographic behavior of analytes at different pH of mobile phase was studied. Successful baseline resolution of all analyzed compounds was achieved using simultaneous gradient of pH and organic modifier in reverse phase mode of HPLC within 36 min. The repeatability of the proposed procedure in respect of retention time and peak area, expressed as RSD, ranges from 0.06 to 1.64% and 0.4 to 7.6%, respectively. The method linearity in the range of 1–200 μM for amino acids and in the range of 0.1–20 μM for polyamines, catecholeamines and metanephrines was found to be with correlation coefficients higher than 0.994. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was assessed to be in the range of 2.6–10 pmol for amino acids and 2–4 pmol for polyamines, catecholeamines and metanephrines.

Exploration of intraclonal adaptation mechanisms of Pseudomonas brassicacearum facing cadmium toxicity

Pseudomonas brassicacearum forms phenotypic variants in vitro as well as in planta during root colonization under natural conditions, leading to subpopulations (phase I and II cells) that differ in colony morphology and production of exoenzymes/secondary metabolites. The maximal concentration of cadmium allowing both variants growth was 25 μM; however, phase II cells accumulated fivefold higher Cd than phase I cells, even though both variants showed the same growth rate and kinetics, comprising a long stasis period (50 h). The whole transcriptome analysis of both variants in response to Cd was investigated using the home-made DNA microarrays. This analysis revealed completely different adaptation mechanisms developed by each variant to withstand and grow in the presence of the toxic. A re-organization of the cell wall to limit Cd entrance was noticed for phase I cells, as genes encoding levan exopolymers were downregulated at the expense of an upregulation of genes encoding alginate, and an upregulation of transporters such as cadA, and a downregulation of copper transporters. Phase II cells were unable to prevent Cd entrance and recruited genes under the control of oxyR and soxR regulation to face osmotic and oxidant stresses generated by Cd. Putrescine and spermidine metabolism appeared to play a central role in Cd tolerance. Microarray data were validated by biological analyses such as motility, oxidative stress assay, metabolite profiling with ICR-FT/MS and UPLC, capillary electrophoresis analysis of biogenic amines.

Unusually mild phenotype of AADC deficiency in 2 siblings

Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency is a rare neurotransmitter defect leading to serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine deficiency. Affected individuals usually present in infancy with severe developmental delay, oculogyric crises and extrapyramidal movements. We present the clinical, molecular and biochemical features of a pair of siblings who presented with fatigability, hypersomnolence and dystonia and who showed excellent response to treatment. Analysis of CSF biogenic amines, plasma AADC levels and direct sequencing of the DDC gene was performed. CSF catecholamine metabolites were reduced, with elevation of 3-O-methyldopa. Plasma AADC activity was undetectable in both siblings, and decreased in their carrier parents. One missense mutation (853C>T) was found in exon 8, and a donor splice site mutation was found in the intron after exon 6 (IVS6+4A>T). Both siblings showed excellent response to MAO inhibitor and dopamine agonist treatment. This report expands the clinical spectrum of AADC deficiency and contributes to the knowledge of the genotype and phenotype correlation for the DDC gene. It is important to recognize the milder phenotypes of the disease as these patients might respond well to therapy.

Pyridoxine-responsive seizures as the first symptom of infantile hypophosphatasia caused by two novel missense mutations (c.677T > C, p.M226T; c.1112C > T, p.T371I) of the tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase gene

Pyridoxine-responsive seizures (PRS) and the role of pyridoxine (PN, vitamin B 6) in hypophosphatasia (HPP) are incompletely understood. Typically, PRS and HPP are rare, independent, metabolic disorders. In PRS, seizures resist standard anticonvulsants apart from PN, yet have a good prognosis. In HPP, inactivation of the tissue nonspecific isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) impairs skeletal mineralization and causes rickets in infants that can be fatal. Here, we report a 7-month-old girl, newly diagnosed with infantile HPP, who presented as a neonate with PRS but without bony abnormalities. Analysis of biogenic amines in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) suggested brain pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) deficiency, although PLP in CSF was not decreased. She had normal cognitive milestones but failure to thrive and rickets. Nearly undetectable serum ALP activity, elevated plasma PLP and urinary phosphoethanolamine (PEA) and inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) levels, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis were consistent with infantile HPP. Only prednisolone reduced serum calcium levels. Despite improved growth and weight gain, she developed rib fractures and died from respiratory failure at age 9 months. Sequence analysis of the TNSALP gene revealed novel missense mutations in exon 7 (c.677T > C, p.M226T) and exon 10 (c.1112C > T, p.T371I). Our patient demonstrated that PRS in neonates may not necessarily be “idiopathic”; instead, such seizures can be caused by severe HPP that becomes clinically apparent later in infancy. The pathophysiology of PRS in HPP differs from the three other genetic defects known to cause PRS, but all may lead to brain PLP deficiency reducing seizure thresholds. All reported HPP patients with neonatal seizures died within 18 months of birth, suggesting that PRS is an indicator of HPP severity and lethal prognosis. We recommend that assessment of any neonate with PRS should include measurement of serum ALP activity.

Simultaneous HPLC Analysis of Biogenic Amines, Amino Acids, and Ammonium Ion as Aminoenone Derivatives in Wine and Beer Samples

A method has been developed for the simultaneous analysis of biogenic amines, amino acids, and the ammonium ion in wine and beer. Aminoenones formed by the reaction of amino acids, biogenic amines, and the ammonium ion with the derivatization reagent diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate are separated by HPLC. Reaction takes place in methanolic alkaline medium for 30 min in an ultrasonic bath. Further heating at 70 degrees C for 2 h produces complete degradation of excess derivatization reagent and byproducts. Comparison of the results of ammonium analysis and enzymatic analysis showed a good correlation (r = 0.953). The proposed analytical method has the following advantages: easy derivatization of wines and beers; quantification of 24 amino acids, nine biogenic amines, and the ammonium ion in a single injection; use of the photodiode array detector; complete degradation of excess derivatization reagent during sample preparation; and detection limits below 0.40 mg/L for amino acids and below 0.06 mg/L for biogenic amines.

Analysis of amino acids and biogenic amines in biological tissues as their o-phthalaldehyde/ethanethiol/fluorenylmethyl chloroformate derivatives by high-performance liquid chromatography : A deproteinization study

The extraction of ornithine, lysine, putrescine, cadaverine, 1,7-diaminoheptane, spermidine and spermine from biological tissues was optimized for HPLC quantitation as their o-phthalaldehyde/ethanethiol/fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (OPA/ET/FMOC) derivatives. In applying perchloric acid deproteinization two approaches have been followed: (i) deproteinization with subsequent neutralization by potassium hydroxide and lyophilization, and (ii) deproteinization without neutralization and lyophilization. Neutralization and lyophilization resulted in the loss of free biogenic amines. HPLC analysis of ornithine (Orn), lysine (Lys), putrescine (Put), cadaverine (Cad), 1,7-diaminoheptane (Dah), spermidine (Spd) and spermine (Spm) content of biological tissues as their OPA/ET/FMOC derivatives was performed in the supernatant of perchloric acid-deproteinized samples (model solutions and tissues) with an average reproducibility of ≤2.6% relative standard deviation (RSD), including recovery of sample treatment and chromatography.

Analysis of biologically active amines by CE

This paper provides an overview on the current status of the analysis of biogenic amines by CE. The basic CE separation and detection strategies for the analysis of biogenic amines are briefly described. CZE and MEKC that provide highly efficient and reproducible analysis of biogenic amines are particularly surveyed. With respect to the detection of biogenic amines, we focus on LIF, UV-visible absorption, electrochemiluminescence, and MS. Derivatization strategies, indirect methods, and on-line concentration techniques such as field-amplified sample stacking, sweeping, and use of polymer solution are described. To show the practicality of CE, we highlight currently developed techniques for the determinations of biogenic amines in biological samples, including foods, beverages, cerebrospinal fluids, urine, and single cells.

Methods for the Detection of Bacteria Producing Biogenic Amines on Foods: A Survey

The presence of biogenic amines in foods is of considerable public concern for the food industry and the regulatory agencies, since given the potential health hazard, there is a growing demand from consumers and control authorities to reduce the allowable limits of biogenic amines in foods and beverages. Rapid and simple methods are needed for the analysis of the ability to form biogenic amines by bacteria in order to evaluate the potential risk of bacterial occurring in some food products. Analytical chromatographic methods used for routine biogenic amine analysis of food substrates have been applied to bacterial cultures. Specific differential culture media for the presumptive identification of biogenic amine-producer bacteria have been developed. Recently, several PCR based methods targeting amino acid decarboxylases have been described. These latter molecular methods, in addition to its rapidity and specificity, offer the advantage of the identification of producer bacteria before the amine is synthesized.

Determination of biogenic amines in apples and wine with 8-phenyl-(4-oxy-acetic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester)-4, 4-difluoro-1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza- s-indacene by high performance liquid chromatography

A precolumn-derivatization high performance liquid chromatographic method for biogenic amine analysis has been developed. Derivatization of biogenic amines was performed with a new fluorescent reagent, 8-phenyl-(4-oxy-acetic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester)-4,4-difluoro-1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza- s-indacene (TMPAB-OSu), which was synthesized in our lab. The derivatization conditions and the influence of elution composition on the separation were investigated. In pH 8.5 H 3BO 3–Na 2B 4O 7 media, the reaction of biogenic amines with TMPAB-OSu completed at 45 °C for 5 min. The labeled biogenic amines were separated on an ZORBAX Eclipse XDB-C 8 column (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) and detected with fluorescence at excitation and emission wavelengths of 497 and 509 nm, respectively. Detection limits of biogenic amines were 0.1–4 nmol L −1, at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The proposed method has been applied to the quantitative determination of spermine, phenethylamine, spermidine, cadaverine and putrescine in pericarp and pulp of mature and immature apples and wine with recoveries of 95–102% and R.S.D. of 0.7–3.9.

Effects of NMDA receptor inhibition by phencyclidine on the neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells

Phencyclidine (PCP) is a non-competitive N-methyl- d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist and exposing the developing brain to PCP has been shown to cause deficits in neurobehavioral functions. In the present study we tested the effects of PCP, as an NMDA receptor inhibitor, on the neuronal differentiation and biogenic amines levels including norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine, dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), serotonin (5-HT), and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) in the rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. After PC12 cells were differentiated with nerve growth factor (NGF) in the presence of PCP, NMDA binding kinetics, biogenic amines analysis and NMDA receptor protein expression assay were conducted. The results showed that NMDA receptor binding activities were significantly increased after differentiated with NGF in PC12 cells. B max values were increased in differentiated cells by four-folds, whereas K d values were not changed. All of biogenic amines were significantly increased in differentiated cells. On the other hand, PCP at 50 and 100 μM inhibited neuronal differentiation in a dose-dependent manner in NGF-stimulated PC12 cells without affecting cell viability. PCP treatment during differentiation significantly reduced NMDA binding activity and biogenic amine levels. Western blotting analysis revealed that NMDA receptor protein expression was significantly higher in NGF-differentiated cells and PCP treatment decreased the expression of NMDA receptor proteins. These results indicate that NMDA receptor functions and monoaminergic nervous systems are significantly stimulated during NGF-induced differentiation. PCP suppresses neuronal outgrowth and hampers neuronal functions possibly by inhibiting NMDA receptor functions and biogenic amine production, implying the suppressive effects of PCP exposure on neuronal developments.

HPLC‐FL/ED in the Analysis of Biogenic Amines and their Metabolites in Urine

The analysis of biogenic amine neurotransmitters (adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin) and their metabolites (metanephrine, normetanephrine, 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, vanillylmandelic acid, homovanillic acid, 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid, 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylglycol, 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenylglycol, 3‐methoxytyramine) in body fluids may provide valuable information important in the diagnosis of the sympathoadrenomedullary system disturbances. An HPLC‐FL/ED system using two Chromolith RP‐18e columns and a mixture of acetate buffer (pH=4.66) and methanol (97∶3%, v/v) as the mobile phase was developed for the separation and determination of these compounds. Adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine and their synthetic analogs: dobutamine and isoproterenol, used in the treatment of clinical shock, were analyzed in urine of post‐operative cardiosurgical patients and in urine of healthy controls. The extraction and pre‐concentration step was performed on aluminium oxide SPE cartridges. Both detection techniques agreed well in final concentrations. Within‐day coefficients of variation were below 2.3% and between‐day coefficients of variation did not exceed 5%. The developed HPLC method is easy and reliable and could have a positive effect on the safety of severely ill patients treated with catecholamines and their synthetic analogues.

Determination of biogenic amines in fresh and processed meat by suppressed ion chromatography-mass spectrometry using a cation-exchange column

A new method for simultaneous determination of underivatized biogenic amines based on the separation by cation-exchange chromatography and suppressed conductivity coupled with mass spectrometry detection has been developed. The method has been applied to the analysis of cadaverine, putrescine, histamine, agmatine, phenethylamine and spermidine in processed meat products. The amines were extracted from muscle tissue with methanesulfonic acid without any additional derivative step or sample clean-up. Biogenic amines were separated by the IonPac CS17 column, a cation-exchange column used with gradient elution, and detection was done by suppressed conductivity and mass spectrometry. Tyramine was simultaneously analysed by using a spectrophotometer (275 nm) before the suppressed conductivity detection. Linearity of response was obtained in the range 0.25–25 μg mL −1. The detection limits ranged from 23 μg L −1 for putrescine to 155 μg L −1 for spermidine (suppressed conductivity) and from 9 μg L −1 for agmatine to 34 μg L −1 for spermidine (MS). Average recoveries from meat samples ranged from 85 to 97% and coefficients of variation ranged from 4.5 to 9.7%. The analysis of biogenic amines in fresh and processed meats (dry-cured, cooked and fermented products) can be used as a quality marker of raw material and for studying the relationship between their changes and the fermentation process involved in dry sausage ripening.

Simultaneous determination of histamine and polyamines by capillary zone electrophoresis with 4-fluor-7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole derivatization and fluorescence detection

Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) with fluorescence detection was applied to the simultaneous determination of histamine and polyamines including spermine, spermidine, diaminopropane, putrescine, cadaverine, diaminohexane with 4-fluor-7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole (NBD-F) as the fluorescent derivatization reagent. The seven NBD-F labeled amines was separated within 200 s using 85 mM phosphate running buffer at pH 3.0. The concentration limits of these amines ranged from 5.1 × 10 −8 M for spermine to 2.1 × 10 −8 M for histamine. The relative standard deviations for migration time and peak height were less than 1.5% and 6.0%, respectively. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of biogenic amines in the lysate of tobacco mesophyll protoplasts, and spermidine and putrescine were detected in the lysate with satisfying recovery.

Analysis of cholinergic markers, biogenic amines, and amino acids in the CNS of two APP overexpression mouse models

Two transgenic mouse models expressing mutated human amyloid precursor protein and previously found to display cognitive and behavioural alterations, reminiscent of Alzheimer patients’ symptomatology, were scrutinised for putative brain region-specific changes in neurochemical parameters. Brains of NSE-hAPP 751m-57, APP23 and wild-type mice were microdissected to perform brain region-specific neurochemical analyses. Impairment of cholinergic transmission, the prominent neurochemical deficit in Alzheimer brain, was examined; acetylcholinesterase and choline acetyltransferase activity levels were determined as markers of the cholinergic system. Since Alzheimer neurodegeneration is not restricted to the cholinergic system, brain levels of biogenic amines and metabolites, and amino acidergic neurotransmitters and systemic amino acids were analysed as well. Cholinergic dysfunction, reflected in reduced enzymatic activity in the basal forebrain nuclei, was restricted to the APP23 model, which also exhibited more outspoken and more widespread changes in other neurotransmitter systems. Significant changes in compounds of the noradrenergic and serotonergic system were observed, as well as alterations in levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter glycine and systemic amino acids. These observations were clearly in occurrence with the more pronounced histopathological and behavioural phenotype of the APP23 model. As transgenic models often do not represent an end-stage of the disease, some discrepancies with results from post-mortem human Alzheimer brain analyses were apparent; in particular, no significant alterations in excitatory amino acid levels were detected. Our findings of brain region-specific alterations in compound levels indicate disturbed neurotransmission pathways, and greatly add to the validity of APP23 mice as a model for Alzheimer's disease. Transgenic mouse models may be employed as a tool to study early-stage neurochemical changes, which are often not accessible in Alzheimer brain.

Biogenic amine content of red Spanish wines: comparison of a direct ELISA and an HPLC method for the determination of histamine in wines

Biogenic amines were determined in 61 commercial red Spanish wines from various winemaking areas and elaborated with different vinification/ageing procedures. Biogenic amines (histamine, methylamine, ethylamine, tyramine, phenylethylamine, putrescine and cadaverine) analysis was carried out by RP-HPLC with o-phthaldialdehyde precolumn derivatization and fluorescence detection. Overall, histamine and putrescine were the most prevalent amines, being present in 75% and 71%, respectively, of the wines, followed by tyramine (56% of the wines). There were no significant differences between biogenic amine levels and ageing characteristics of the wines tested. Moreover, it was found that amines suspected to cause toxicological effects (histamine, tyramine and phenylethylamine) are no cause for concern in these Spanish wines as they are present in amounts well below the limit considered as physiological. A commercial competitive direct ELISA immunoassay method specific for the detection of histamine has also tested on these wines and the results were compared with the RP-HPLC method. Both methods showed a good agreement for histamine analysis of wines.

HPLC with electrochemical and fluorescence detection procedures for the diagnosis of inborn errors of biogenic amines and pterins

The analysis of biogenic amines (BA) and pterins in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is essential for the early diagnosis of neurotransmission defects in the paediatric age. Our aim was to standardize previously reported HPLC procedures for the analysis of BA and pterins in CSF and to establish reference values for a paediatric population. Samples from 127 subjects (age range 11 days to 16 years; average 3.8) were analyzed by HPLC with electrochemical and fluorescence detection. Both BA (homovanilic and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid) and pterins (neopterin and biopterin) concentrations in CSF showed a negative correlation with age. This finding led us to stratify reference values into six groups according to age. In conclusion, analysis of BA and pterins in CSF by HPLC procedures is a useful set of tools for the diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism of these compounds. The establishment of reference intervals may be difficult, since there is a strong correlation between BA concentrations and the age of controls and, as a result, a large number of CSF samples from control populations would be necessary for this purpose.