Determination of indoles in human and rat pineal

Tryptophan, serotonin, N-acetylserotonin, melatonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and 5-hydroxytryptophol have been determined in rat and human pineal glands. The compounds were measured by directly injecting centrifuged tissue homogenates into a liquid chromatographic-fluorometric system. Normal ranges are reported for these compounds and upper limits established for several other indoles.