High-performance liquid chromatography of pyruvic and alpha-ketoglutaric acids and its application to urine samples

Pyruvic and alpha-ketoglutaric acids were quantitatively and rapidly converted to quinoxalones by a new method, to enhance their detectability in the ultraviolet. The quinoxalones were separated by reversed-phase chromatography with use of 10 micronm particles packed in a 30-cm (length) column. An aqueous solution of ammonium acetate and methanol was used for linear gradient elution. The urinary excretion of pyruvic and alpha-ketoglutaric acids by normal individuals, diabetic patients, and patients with renal dysfunction was determined.