STUDIES ON UROBILIN PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY : I. THE QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF UROBILIN

Methods are presented for the development of clear fluorescent solutions from urobilin-containing urine, feces, and bile obtained from the dog. Conversion of the urobilinogen to urobilin is accomplished during the procedures. Measurement of the urobilin content is effected by comparing its fluorescence at great dilution with a standard containing acriflavine, calibrated in turn against pure urobilin. Means have been found to avoid the influence of the factors responsible in part for the inaccuracy of urobilin determinations. The method will quantitate exceedingly small amounts of urobilin and estimations on the same material agree within 10 per cent. Though designed for experimental procedures on the dog, the methods would seem adapted for clinical uses as well.