Profile of Volatile Metabolites in Human Urine

Abstract

Abstract Volatile constituents of 30 urines from 10 adults have been studied by gas chromatography, and two also by mass spectrometry. The sample was prepared by extracting urine with ethyl ether, distilling the extract at low temperature under reduced pressure, and concentrating the distillate to a few microliters. High-efficiency capillary columns, 150 m x 0.5 mm i.d., provide the resolution necessary to indicate the presence of some 300 compounds, 40 of which have been identified by mass spectrometry. These include ketones, alcohols, lactones, terpenes, furans, dimethyl sulfone, pyrrole, and allyl isothiocyanate. Dietary changes have a relatively small effect on the profile of the volatiles, and interindividual patterns are very similar. These facts make analyses of this kind of potential diagnostic use.