Radioimmunoassay Measurement of Arginine Vasopressin in Serum: Development and Application

Abstract

The present report describes the development of a sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay system (RIA) for measurement of arginine vasopressin (AVP) in serum or plasma. The RIA has a sensitivity of 0.3–0.5 μU/ml and employs an extraction procedure utilizing the diatomaceous earth Bentonite. This procedure also permits AVP measurements in maternal and fetal blood in the presence of elevated levels of vasopressinase. Serum AVP concentrations were measured in normal adult subjects in various states of hydration and in selected patients with abnormalities of AVP metabolism. The RIA results are in good agreement with previously reported bioassay results.