CHEMICAL METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF URINARY ALDOSTERONE

Abstract

A new method of purification of crude neutral extracts of urine for the isolation and determination of aldosterone is presented. The specificity and accuracy of the method depend upon the high degree of purity of the aldosterone isolated. The assertion that the substance isolated is aldosterone is based on the mobilities in the three chromatographic systems used, on the typical ultraviolet absorption curve, on the satisfactory agreement between the values obtained by ultraviolet absorption and by blue tetrazolium reaction, and by the typical chromogen spectra in concentrated sulphuric acid and in 100% phosphoric acid. Values obtained in nine normal subjects on ordinary diets vary from 2.2 to 10 μg. per day with a mean of 5.1. Illustrations of results obtained during pregnancy, anxiety state, and periods of high potassium and combined high sodium and potassium intake are presented.