A RADIOIMMUNOASSAY FOR PORCINE CALCITONIN

Abstract
Not only has the primary structure of porcine (thyro)calcitonin (CT) been elucidated but also the synthesis of the hormone has been reported (Rittel, Brugger, Kamber, Riniker & Sieber, 1968). Radioimmunoassays have been described by Deftos, Lee & Potts (1968), Arnaud, Tsao & Kaplan (1968) and Tashjian & Melvin (1968). The purpose of this communication is to report on the application of a highly sensitive radioimmunoassay to the study of the site of immunological activity within the porcine CT molecule and the extent of cross-reactivity between human and porcine CT. A partially purified CT preparation from porcine thyroid glands, which had a biological activity of 8 MRC units/mg., was used for immunization. Five rabbits received an i.m. injection of 0·2 mg. of this material at 4-week intervals. The hormone was adsorbed on to aluminium hydroxide gel (Superfos Exp. Co, Copenhagen) and 0·5 ml. of the mixture (containing about 8 mg. Al(OH)