DEVELOPMENT OF A RADIOIMMUNOASSAY FOR OXYTOCIN

Abstract

High affinity [rabbit] antibodies against oxytocin were produced by multiple intradermal injections. The antibodies do not cross react with lysine vasopressin. Reduction of the S-S link changes the immunoreactivity. The high affinity constant of the antibodies allows direct RIA [radioimmunoassay] of oxytocin in diluted plasma (1:5), with a sensitivity of at least 4 .mu.U[microunits]/ml. Preliminary results for oxytocin determination of human umbilical cord plasma range between 15-100 .mu.U/ml. [Bovine serum albumin, Freund''s adjuvant and Bordetella pertussis vaccine were used].