Key WardsThin-layer chromatography Cortisol Cortisone Isonicotinic acid hydrazide Human urine
SummaryA routine method for the measurement of cortisol and cortisone in human morning and overnight urine has been developed. The method includes liquid-liquid extraction, alkaline wash of the solvent, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), formation of isonicotinyl hydrazones of A4-3 -keto-corticosteroids and their quantification by fluorescence densitometry. Cortisol excretion (mean values, n = 22) was 3918 ng h 1 (07.00-08.00), 1743 ng h 1 (08.00-09.00) and 24300 ng night 1; corresponding cortisone values were 2356 ng h 1, 2144 ng h 1 and 22780 ng night 1. The advantage of the method is its sensitivib,, being comparable with that of HPLC methods, its specifici b, (fluorescence of isonicotinyl hydrazones) and simplici b, of separation (TLC) and quantification (densitometry).