A preliminary note on the inorganic sulphate content of the blood with a method for its determination

Abstract

The method of Kahn and Leiboff for determining S in urine has been modified. Thymol is used in place of phenol to give a more intense color. Only 2 cc. of blood, serum, or plasma are required for the determination. After treatment with trichloracetic acid and centrifuging, the fluid is treated with benzidine (in acetone), the benzidine sulphate removed, dissolved in N HC1, treated with NaNO2 and NaOH, and compared to a freshly prepared standard. Phosphorus, NaCl or K oxalate in amounts of 20 mgm., 1 gm. and 1 gm. per 100 cc. respectively, do not interfere. There is little organic S in the cellular constituents. The normal inorganic S content varies from 0.1 to 0.5 mgm. S per 100 cc. plasma of adults. In nephritis and cardio-renal diseases there is increased retention of S with increased retention of urea and N.P.N. In relation to N, inorganic S is retained in greatest proportions in mild cases; in those more severe where N retention is greater, S retention is less prominent.