RADIOIMMUNOASSAY OF LEUKOCYTE (ALPHA) INTERFERON AND ITS APPLICATION TO SOME CLINICAL CONDITIONS

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 25  (7) , 765-772
Abstract
A radioimmunoassay for human leukocyte interferon alpha (.alpha. IFN) has been developed, using tracer produced by recombinant DNA (IFLrA) and polyclonal rabbit antiserum against partially purified leukocyte IFN (PP .alpha. IFN). Sensitivity was 4 U/ml using sequential saturation. Only lymphoblastoid IFN showed complete cross reactivity. Serum .alpha. IFN concentrations were measured in nornal subjects and in patients with acute viral infections, bone and joint diseases and malignancies. Some cases in the first 2 groups of patients had significantly elevated serum levels compared with controls. The pharmacokinetics of .alpha. IFN were studied in treated cancerous patients. Radioimmunoassay and biological assay gave similar and closely correlated results. Radioimmunoassay is thus a useful method for the routine assay of .alpha. IFN, especially in biological fluids containing low concentrations.