Large Scale Screening Programme for Selection of Antisera for Radioimmunoassay of Human Parathyroid Hormone

Abstract A large-scale, three-phase screening programme has been devised for the rapid selection of antisera which might be of potential use in clinical radioimmunoassays for human parathyroid hormone. A total of 122 sera from 169 guinea pigs and 6 rabbits immunized with bovine parathyroid hormone, and 12 guinea pigs immunized with human parathyroid hormone were assessed relative to reference antisera. Pre-determined criteria for the three phase programme were imposed by the requirement for antisera that could be used at dilutions greater than 10–5 in order to ensure continuity of supplies for wide-spread distribution and by the limited availability of human parathyroid hormone for testing purposes. Of the sera tested, only 5 were selected as having high titre and sensitivity for low concentrations of human parathyroid hormone. The 5 antisera were further evaluated for amino-and carboxyl-region specificities for the human parathyroid hormone in comparison with antiserum 211/32, widely distributed for use ...