Recent advances in methods for the analysis of catecholamines and their metabolites

Catecholamines, for example epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine, are widely distributed and are important neurotransmitters and hormones in mammalian species. Several methods have been developed for analysis of catecholamines and related compounds. Determination of catecholamines in biological fluids has enabled us to clarify the physiological role played by these amines. Catecholamine levels in plasma and/or urine are also useful for diagnosis of several diseases, for example hypertension, pheochromocytoma, and neuroblastoma. This review covers reports from 2000 to the present of methods for the analysis of catecholamines and their metabolites.