Biogenic amine composition of the gonads of herring (Clupea harengus), mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and scallop (Pecten maximus)

The concentrations of the biogenic amines, tyramine, putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, agmatine, spermine and spermidine, present in the gonads of herring (Clupea harengus), mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and scallop (Pecten maximus), were determined in 0.5 M perchloric acid extracts by high-performance liquid chromatography using postcolumn derivatisation with o-phthalaldehyde. The highest overall concentrations were in mackerel gonads and the lowest in herring. Agmatine and spermine were each present in mackerel tissues at concentrations greater than 20 mg per 100 g. The total amounts of amines in the testes of scallop were, on average, 9mg per 100 g greater than in the ovaries; tyramine and agmatine were of higher concentrations in the testes. Histamine was absent in herring gonads and, if present in those of other species, was at concentrations of less than 1.0 mg per 100 g.