Biopterin content of human and rat fluids and tissues determined protozoologically

Abstract

The ultrasensitive growth response to biopterin of the protozoan Crithidia fasciculata served to provide the ranges of biopterin levels in rat and human fluids and tissues. Eight patients with gout averaged 3.6 ng/ml as compared to 1.9 ng/ml for 31 normal subjects; 7 uremic patients averaged 8.1 ng/ml, and 6.2 ng/ml in 12 patients with alcoholic liver disease. The potential value of biopterin determinations in such diseases as well as parkinsonism and the carcinoid syndrome was noted.