Mass Fragmentographic Determination of γ‐Aminobutyric Acid and Glutamic Acid in Discrete Amygdaloid Nuclei of Rat Brain

Abstract
A mass fragmentographic method for the simultaneous quantification of .gamma.-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamic acid is described. In a convenient one-step reaction, the two amino acids were derivatized with pentafluoropropionic anhydride and pentafluoropropanol. The derivatization products were stable for several days. The techique has been applied to the assay of GABA and Glu in five amygdaloid nuclei of the rat brain. The GABA level was high in the central and medial nuclei, whereas the Glu level was high in the lateral and basal nuclei. The regional distribution of GABA was different from that of Glu within the amygaloid nuclei.