Trace level determination of 5-hydroxytryptamine and its related indoles in amniotic fluid by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Abstract 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and its derivatives are endogenously active substances involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes. A novel method of detetermining 5-hydroxyindole ethanol (5-HTOL), 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA), 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and 5-HT in amniotic fluid by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was established based on a modified method of derivatization by silanization, in combination with solid-phase extraction pretreatment. Good linearity was achieved in the tested calibration range. The limits of detection (LOD) were 0.05, 0.08, 0.56, 0.43 μg/L for 5-HTOL, 5-HIAA, 5-HTP and 5-HT, respectively. Accuracy (92.4-103.3) and precision (RSD P  P >0.05). This is a rapid, sensitive and reliable method for the determination of 5-HTOL, 5-HIAA, 5-HTP and 5-HT, and the study provide both potential trisomy 21 markers and elucidation of the physiological and pathological roles of 5-HT.