title: Immunoradiometric assay of succinylated corticotropin: an improved method for quantification of ACTH.
abstract: In this paper we describe the development and the evaluation of a new type of immunoassay for human corticotropin (ACTH). We succeeded, by using an original approach based upon immunization with ACTH derivatized with succinic anhydride, in raising monoclonal antibodies against this poorly immunogenic peptide. Three of the antibodies were selected to develop an immunoassay for ACTH. The assay requires the prior succinylation of the plasma samples for optimal sensitivity and specificity. This acylation treatment is fast, reproducible, and, in addition, improves the stability of the ACTH molecule in plasma, thus facilitating sample handling. The assay is performed in only 3 h with a detection limit of 0.7 ng/L. Analytical evaluation showed excellent specificity, reproducibility, and reliability. A comparison with two commonly used but time-consuming ACTH IRMAs was carried out by assaying several plasma samples in parallel and gave in both cases very good correlation.
authors.affiliation: Immunotech, Marseille, France.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kertesz
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bourcier
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cailla
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Jean
mesh_terms: D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D003480:Cushing Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D015592:Immunoradiometric Assay / Q000379:methods; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013387:Succinic Anhydrides / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D013387:Succinic Anhydrides; C031801:succinic anhydride; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone