Non-radiochemical procedure for the measurement of O-methylation of the stereoisomers of isoprenaline

Abstract A non-radiochemical procedure has been developed which permits the separation and measurement of isoprenaline (ISO) and the O-methylated metabolite, 3-methoxyisoprenaline (MeOISO). This methodology employs alumina chromatography and toluene solvent extraction to separate the catecholamine, ISO, from the O-methylated derivative, MeOISO. High-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection has been used to quantify these compounds. The biological application of this procedure includes the evaluation of O-methylation of the stereoisomers of ISO by intact tissues.