Chemical analysis of indolealkylamines and related compounds

A close parallel between methodology and understanding has been recognized throughout modern scientific research, and is germane to the topics of indolealkylamines and related compounds. Although 5-hydroxytryptamine was first isolated from biological material by Erspamer in 1937, further developments in this field were sparse until the early 1950’s, when more advanced analytical techniques were employed. Within the past ten years, isolation, identification, and quantitation of indole compounds has rapidly proliferated, and the metabolic pathways, physiological roles, and pharmacological effects of these compounds have been increasingly understood. Of crucial importance to this progress has been the application of three analytical techniques: paper chromatography, spectrophotometry, and spectrophotofluorometry.