Direct assay of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylglycol (MHPG) in human saliva; a new approach in the assessment of noradrenergic function
Stefănescu, A.M.; Popa, M.; Dumitriu, L.
Endocrinologie 27(2): 93-96
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-1801 PMID: 2799243 Document Number: 327804
The present paper offers a simple, reliable and specific method for the evaluation of salivary level of conjugated MHPG in 16 children (5-16 years) selected as control group. In the chosen group, we established the urinary level of NA: 17.64 +/- 1.38 micrograms/24 h, of A: 5.87 +/- 0.44 micrograms/24 h, of MHPG: 1.62 +/- 0.14 mg/24 h, of VMA: 1.54 +/- 10.10 mg/24 h. In all patients we assayed salivary MHPG: 57 +/- 5.25 mg/ml; in only 6 patients we also determined salivary NA: 2.21 +/- 0.11 micrograms/l and A: 0.25 +/- 0.03 micrograms/l. The MHPG in saliva correlates with urinary MHPG but doesn't correlate with NA in saliva or in urine. The assay of salivary MHPG may represent a non-invasive procedure of evaluation of noradrenergic tonus in children.