IMPROVED METHOD FOR MEASURING BLOOD MERCAPTANS

Abstract

An improved method for measuring T [methanethiol] in the blood is described which uses Zn as a reducing agent and utilizes a more sensitive gas chromatograph. The method measures covalently bound MT that was not previously detected and permits determinations in patients for the 1st time. The average normal whole blood MT in rat blood was 200 .+-. 42 pmol/ml and in human blood 229 .+-. 29 pmol/ml. Rats [11] in experimental hepatic coma following acute massive hepatic necrosis had blood levels 4-18 times the average normal, and 7 cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy or coma had blood levels 4-5 times the average normal.