title: Observations of the use of o-phthalaldehyde condensation for the measurement of histamine.
abstract: The in vitro study of mast cell degranulation utilises the measurement of histamine as a quantitative marker of this process. Histamine is most commonly assayed, following organic extraction, by condensing it with o-phthalaldehyde (OPT) and thereby obtaining a highly fluorescent adduct. A number of variables that might affect the performance of this assay, including assay conditions, stability and purity, were evaluated during the course of developing this assay for use in our laboratory. We observed the stability of OPT-histamine and found it to be very stable at 0 and 25 degrees C, following acidification. Derivatisation conditions and the purity of the leukocyte histamine extract were also assessed, and indicated that derivatisation at low temperatures slows down decay, providing a greater over-all fluorescence intensity. Extraction procedures are necessary, prior to condensation with OPT, to eliminate both positive and negative interfering substances from leukocyte preparations.
authors: Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505.
authors: P D
authors: PD
authors: Siegel
authors: D M
authors: DM
authors: Lewis
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Petersen
authors: S A
authors: SA
authors: Olenchock
mesh_terms: D006632:Histamine / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000737:chemistry; D009764:o-Phthalaldehyde
chemical_list: D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D009764:o-Phthalaldehyde; D006632:Histamine