[Thin-layer chromatographic method of separating porphyrin methyl esters isolated from biological materials]

A highly sensitive thin layer chromatographic method for the separation of porphyrin fractions and calculation of their percentage ratio was put into practice for the first time in our country. It was elaborated on the base of Doss method with some modifications. It enables the separation of the various porphyrin fractions as porphyrinmethyl esters in urine, feces, serum and liver. The chromatograms were directly read by a fluorescent densitometer MPF--43, with an appliance for thin layer chromatographic plaques (Hitachi). The method is with a valuable clinical significance in the diagnostics and follow-up of the patients with porphyria and in the studies on the disturbances in porphyrin metabolism.