Radioimmunoassay of Gastrin: Specificity of Gastrin Antisera

Abstract

Antisera for use in a gastrin radioimmunoassay have been prepared in two ways and their specificity compared. Antibodies to porcine antral gastrin were found to be specific for the N-terminal portion of the molecule; there was no cross-reaction with pentagastrin or pancreozymin. Antibodies to the C-terminal gastrin tetrapeptide, however, cross-reacted with pentagastrin and pancreozymin on an equimolar basis. Neither antiserum cross-reacted with secretin, insulin, or glucagon. The gastrin-specific antiserum can be used in a sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay for gastrin.

Key-words:

• Gastrin
• radioimmunoassay
• stomach