title: Prevention of bridge binding effects in haptenic immunoassay systems exemplified by an iodinated radioimmunoassay for melatonin.
abstract: Antisera used in immunological assay systems for small molecular weight substances are routinely prepared by coupling the hapten to a carrier protein via a chemical linker. Often this bridge is partly recognized by the antibody, resulting in reduced sensitivity when an identically structured tracer (e.g. iodine-labelled) is used. Historically, the problem was solved by changing the linking structures in the tracer. An alternative way is exemplified by the development of a very sensitive and specific iodinated radioimmunoassay for melatonin. This new approach involves the design of a linkage identical in the tracer and the antigen that is both very short and closely resembling the structure of the analyte itself.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003429:Cross Reactions; D006241:Haptens; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D008550:Melatonin / Q000032:analysis*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay / Q000379:methods*; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine; D014316:Tritium
chemical_list: D006241:Haptens; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D014316:Tritium; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine; D008550:Melatonin