The determination of bufotenin in urine of schizophrenic patients and normal controls

One-dimensional chromatography, quantification without previous qualitative identification and without adequate separation of the tertiary amine fraction have all contributed to the confusion in regard to the identification and quantification of bufotenin. We have used for the positive identification of bufotenin: (1) DACA; (2) diazotized o-tolidine, and (3) OPT. Of the three, the last was found to be the most sensitive and specific since it combines in one test the qualitative identification, separation by two-dimensional TLC and the quantitative estimation—all in one step. In our opinion in view of the high sensitivity of this method it should prove a useful screening tool for the identification and quantification of bufotenin in urine samples collected over an 8-hr period. In our experience with urine samples of normals, in contrast to those of chronic schizophrenics and acute schizophrenics, no bufotenin was found in the urine of any normals even when the normals were on an MAO inhibitor and L-cysteine loading. When bufotenin was identified in chronic schizophrenics, the levels were found to be between 3 and 5 μg in 24-hr urine samples. On these standards the negative results found in normals are rated as zero.