Egg yolk as a source of antibodies for human parathyroid hormone (hPTH) radioimmunoassay

Abstract Chickens were immunized with synthetic hPTH peptides 1–34 and 53–84. Serum from the best responder of each group was compared with IgG obtained from yolk of eggs layed by the same chicken, showing similar properties. A simple method for purification of IgG from yolk is described, allowing the obtaining of substantial amounts of anti-hPTH IgG without the need for bleeding the animals. We conclude that: 1) egg from chickens immunized with synthetic hPTH peptides are a convenient source of antibodies against these peptides; 2) this principle should apply to any other antigen to which chickens are good responders.