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Nitrate analysis in biological fluids by gas chromatography-nitrogen-phosphorous detection
1US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, Texas 78234-6315, USA.
Analytical Biochemistry
|May 1, 1996
Summary
A new method simplifies nitrate analysis in body fluids using gas chromatography. This technique enhances sensitivity and consistency for studying nitric oxide metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Nitrate analysis in biological samples is crucial for understanding nitric oxide metabolism.
- Existing methods for nitrate determination often lack sensitivity or simplicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a sensitive and simple procedure for nitrate analysis in body fluids.
- To improve upon existing methods for nitrate quantification.
Main Methods:
- Nitrate is converted to nitrobenzene using benzene.
- Nitrobenzene is measured using a gas chromatograph with a nitrogen-phosphorous detector.
- Chloride interference is removed via silver chloride precipitation; urine samples are pre-treated with a C18 column.
Main Results:
- The method achieved a sensitivity of 1 microM.
- Nitrate recovery was 67% in serum and 87% in urine.
- Incorporated an internal standard (2-nitro-m-xylene) for accurate GC analysis.
Conclusions:
- The developed procedure offers enhanced sensitivity, simplicity, and consistency for nitrate analysis.
- This method facilitates nitrate measurement and isotopic ratio determination by GC-MS.