IMMUNOBIOLOGIC STUDIES ON THE MOLECULAR INDIVIDUALITY OF THYROTROPHIN AND LUTEINIZING HORMONE

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Abstract
Currently available preparations of thyrotrophin and luteinizing hormone contain biologically active and immunologically detectable quantities of both hormones. Several immunologic techniques correlated with biologic assay were used to determine whether bovine TSH and LH were each part of a single protein molecule or were two separate moieties. By studies of immunodiffusion, haemagglutination of sensitized erythrocytes and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, it was shown that antibodies to TSH and LH appeared to be distinct and separable. It was further demonstrated that the biologic neutralizing capacity of antibodies to TSH were not measurably altered following removal of antibodies to LH. These studies favour the concept that TSH and LH are distinct and that antibodies to each can be separated from the other. These studies are also consistent with previous reports that TSH and LH are immunologically related and suggest the possibility that they might share a biologically active peptide »core«. The limitations of immunologic procedures and the difficulties inherent in currently available biologic assays of TSH and LH render premature any final statement on the separability or individuality of these hormones. Final confirmation must await chemical determinations of their individual structures.

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