Liquid chromatography in the analysis of neurotransmitters and alkaloids

Several thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) systems for the determination of biogenic amine neurotransmitters, alkaloids, and the metabolites of these two groups of compounds are developed. The possibility of the interference of these compounds is investigated. In all the systems developed for neurotransmitters, the retention of alkaloids is examined and vice versa. In TLC because of different visualization procedures (a dyeing reagent for alkaloids and visible light for neurotransmitters), compounds of both the groups may be determined simultaneously without the risk of interference. In HPLC, similarly, the possibility of false diagnosis through simultaneously employing the fluorimetric and diode-array detectors can be excluded.