Microchip-based homogeneous immunoassay using fluorescence polarization spectroscopy

We have realized fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) on a microchip in about 1 minute. FPIA is a homogeneous competitive immunoassay which is based on measuring fluorescence polarization after competitive binding of an analyte and a tracer to an antibody. We constructed a microfluidic FPIA system composed of a newly designed microchip, a laser, a CCD camera and an optical microscope with two specially installed polarizers-one fixed and one rotatable. Theophylline, a typical small drug molecule, was used as a model analyte. Theophylline and fluorescence-labeled theophylline were introduced through different inlets and combined in a 100 microm-wide microchannel where anti-theophylline antibody was added. To optimize the microchip design for FPIA, we investigated the diffusion time of theophylline and the mixing time of theophylline and antibody in this channel, which were 6 s and 36 s, respectively. We successfully carried out a quantitative analysis of theophylline in serum near the therapeutic range in 65 s. In FPIA, a larger tracer-antibody complex emits more polarized fluorescence than the tracer, and therefore, by increasing the antigen concentration in a sample, more polarization relaxation is observed since the tracer-antibody complex concentration is decreased and the tracer concentration is increased. Tracer binding to an antibody is directly measured by spectroscopic techniques without any separation process.This microchip-based FPIA is very simple and rapid, unlike microchip-based heterogeneous immunoassay, because it does not require several processes such as washing and reflowing and immobilizing of antibodies or antigens in the channel. In the future, microchip-based FPIA should find frequent use for point-of-care testing in the clinical field, where conventional FPIA has been used for laboratory tests.

Theophylline inhibits NF-kappaB activation in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

BACKGROUND

Theophylline not only dilates the bronchi, but also modulates the production of proinflammatory cytokines and inhibits inflammation. Theophylline exerts an antiinflammatory effect on allergic inflammation through inhibition of NF-kappaB activation in mast cells. However, the action of theophylline on monocytes/macrophages and T cells is unknown.

METHODS

We examined whether or not theophylline inhibits tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced activation of the nuclear transcription factor NF-kappaB, a factor that is essential for the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, in human monocytic U-937 cells, a T cell line (Jurkat) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The inhibitory effect of theophylline on TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation was evaluated by Western blotting, flow cytometry and chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) assaying. Expression of the IkappaBalpha protein was evaluated by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Western blotting demonstrated that theophylline inhibits NF-kappaB activation in U-937 and Jurkat cells and PBMC. Flow cytometry demonstrated that theophylline inhibits NF-kappaB activation in U-937 and Jurkat cells in a dose-related manner. CAT assaying indicated that NF-kappaB-dependent reporter gene expression is inhibited in U-937 cells pretreated with theophylline. Western blotting of cytoplasmic extracts of U-937 cells revealed that this inhibition was linked to theophylline-induced preservation of expression of the IkappaBalpha protein.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings are consistent with the idea that theophylline suppresses the production of proinflammatory cytokines via inhibition of NF-kappaB activation through preservation of the IkappaBalpha protein in monocytes/macrophages and T cells.

A duplexed microsphere-based fluorescent immunoassay

Microsphere-based immunoassays are described for the simultaneous measurement of the clinically important drugs digoxin and theophylline. Competitive immunoassays were performed using haptenized microspheres and antibodies labeled with horseradish peroxidase. Enzyme-catalyzed reporter deposition (CARD) resulted in immunofluorescence signal amplification. Two encoding dyes were used to differentiate analytical signals from microspheres containing assays for the two analytes. An epifluorescence microscope and a CCD camera interfaced with a computer were utilized to measure fluorescence signals of individual microspheres. The microspheres from a duplexed assay were mounted on microscope slides as well as inserted into wells etched into the distal ends of optical imaging fibers. Fluorescence images from both formats were captured. In the experiments using microscope slides, the immunoassays were successfully duplexed and only marginal interferences at high analyte concentrations were observed. Preliminary results suggest that simultaneous determination of the two analytes using a fiber-based sensor-array format is feasible, but requires further development before precise quantitative analyses are possible.

Selectively conjugated melittins for liposome time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay of theophylline in serum

Theophylline (Th) has been selectively conjugated to the four amino groups of melittin (Mel) by solid phase peptide synthesis. The cytolytic activity of the resultant Th-Mel compounds was tested on liposomes trapping the bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugate with 4,7-bis(chlorosulfophenyl)-1,10-phenanthrol ine-2,9-dicarboxylic acid (BCPDA). The loss of lytic activity was the highest for Th-K7-Mel. Th-G1-Mel retains almost the same lytic activity as Mel. A homogeneous liposome time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (LITRFIA) of Th in serum has been carried out with Th-G1-Mel between 5 ng and 10 microg.

Two-dimensional fluorescence intensity distribution analysis: theory and applications

A method of sample analysis is presented which is based on fitting a joint distribution of photon count numbers. In experiments, fluorescence from a microscopic volume containing a fluctuating number of molecules is monitored by two detectors, using a confocal microscope. The two detectors may have different polarizational or spectral responses. Concentrations of fluorescent species together with two specific brightness values per species are determined. The two-dimensional fluorescence intensity distribution analysis (2D-FIDA), if used with a polarization cube, is a tool that is able to distinguish fluorescent species with different specific polarization ratios. As an example of polarization studies by 2D-FIDA, binding of 5'-(6-carboxytetramethylrhodamine) (TAMRA)-labeled theophylline to an anti-theophylline antibody has been studied. Alternatively, if two-color equipment is used, 2D-FIDA can determine concentrations and specific brightness values of fluorescent species corresponding to individual labels alone and their complex. As an example of two-color 2D-FIDA, binding of TAMRA-labeled somatostatin-14 to the human type-2 high-affinity somatostatin receptors present in stained vesicles has been studied. The presented method is unusually accurate among fluorescence fluctuation methods. It is well suited for monitoring a variety of molecular interactions, including receptors and ligands or antibodies and antigens.

Towards artificial antibodies prepared by molecular imprinting

The new technique of molecular imprinting has increasingly been adopted by research laboratories worldwide during the last few years. We have studied the use of such imprints against drugs as artificial antibody-binding mimics in competitive radioimmuno-style binding assays. The recognition sites "molded" in the polymers mimic the binding sites of natural antibodies in their interactions with the target antigen. Binding constants are as low as 4.0 nmol/L for a small number of well-defined sites, and cross-reactivities are similar to or better than those observed with biological antibodies. In some cases, the polymers have been used to determine drug concentrations in human serum specimens.

Fever from caffeine

Since childhood, a 53-year-old women had developed chills, high-grade fever, myalgia, and cephalea after the ingestion of coffee, tea, cola beverages, and some oral "antiflu" compounds. Skin prick tests performed with all the implicated substances were negative. Single-blind oral challenges with both caffeine and theophylline were positive, reproducing exactly the same clinical symptoms and fever. Oral challenge with pentoxifylline was negative. We report a case of caffeine-induced fever in which we have demonstrated cross-reactivity with theophylline, but not with pentoxifylline.

Crystallization of intact monoclonal antibodies

Attempts were made to crystallize four monoclonal antibodies, one IgG2a kappa and three IgG1 kappa. Using a PEG 3350 screen combined with detergents, and developed from our experiments with an IgG2a kappa antibody specific for canine lymphoma cells, crystals have now been obtained of two of these four immunoglobulins, an antiphenytoin and an antiphenobarbital antibody. A complex between the antiphenobarbital antibody and its drug antigen crystallized as well. The antibody for phenytoin has, to this point, produced only clustered microcrystals, marginally suitable for X-ray analysis. Single crystals of the IgG1 kappa antibody against phenobarbital, however, were characterized by X-ray diffraction to be primitive monoclinic, with unit cell dimensions a = 67 A, b = 193 A, c = 74 A, and beta = 110 degrees. These crystals have an entire IgG1 kappa molecule as the asymmetric unit and they diffract to at least 3.2 A resolution.

ELISA screening of monoclonal antibodies to haptens: influence of the chemical structure of hapten-protein conjugates

An analysis has been made of the influence of the chemical structure of hapten-protein conjugates on ELISA based screening monoclonal antibodies to haptens. Evidence has been obtained that the size of haptens should be taken into account. For haptens with a relatively large molecular weight, one can use a conjugate with a carrier protein differing from the immunogen. For small haptens, the screening should be conducted with a conjugate differing from the immunogen with respect to both the carrier protein and the chemical linkage between the hapten and the protein. In addition, the hapten-protein coupling should involves different amino acid residues.

A rapid monoclonal antibody blood theophylline assay; lack of cross-reactivity with enprofylline

We evaluated a rapid monoclonal antibody theophylline assay for two reasons: (a) to determine its specificity with respect to the possible confounding influence of a structurally related xanthine, enprofylline, and (b) to assess its accuracy relative to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Blood samples were taken from 233 patients who had been randomized in double-blind fashion to receive either oral theophylline (n = 117) or enprofylline (n = 116) for the treatment of chronic reversible obstructive airways disease. Monoclonal antibody assays (MAAs) were performed in 10 clinical sites by 10 trained paramedical technicians. Three patients, who actually received enprofylline but not theophylline, had MAA theophylline values of > or = 3.2 micrograms/ml, giving a specificity of 97%. HPLC determination of simultaneous blood samples confirmed that theophylline levels were in fact < 3.2 micrograms/ml and that theophylline was not being taken surreptitiously. Good correlation was observed between MAA and HPLC in patients taking theophylline (y = 1.07 x + 0.36; r = 0.93; standard error of the estimate (SEE) = 1.93). However, there was wide variability from technician to technician such that r values for individual sites ranged from 0.67 to 0.99. Based on the overall correlation, the prediction of an individual HPLC value from an individual MAA value had broad 95% confidence limits: when the MAA value was 10 micrograms/ml, the predicted HPLC value was 9.19 +/- 3.32; when MAA = 15 micrograms/ml; HPLC = 13.19 +/- 3.33; and when MAA = 20 micrograms/ml; HPLC = 17.19 +/- 3.36.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Analysis of active antibody concentration. Separation of affinity and concentration parameters

Antibody binding to surfaces with differing amounts of immobilised antigen was measured in a biosensor system using surface plasmon resonance detection. Binding rates obtained during the initial binding phase on high density antigen surfaces were proportional to antibody concentration and independent of antigen-antibody affinity. One antibody calibration curve covering the range from 0.5 to 160 nM (0.08-25 micrograms/ml) antibody was valid for IgG antibodies with different antigen specificities. To illustrate the use of this methodology active antibody concentrations were analysed in culture media and in rabbit serum.

[Some immunologic indices in patients with chronic polypous rhinosinusitis]

Such immunological indices as the number of T- and B-cells in a rosette-formation test, T-cell sensitivity to theophylline, quantity of the main Ig classes and CIC were investigated in 43 patients with primary chronic polypous rhinosinusitis and 34 patients with recurrent polypous rhinosinusitis. Elevated levels were registered of IgG, IgM, IgA and CIC this evidencing hyperfunction of B-cell immunity. Immunocorrection with sodium nucleinate in surgical treatment of sinusitides contributed to more rapid recovery of the patients.

Kinetic analysis of monoclonal antibody-antigen interactions with a new biosensor based analytical system

An automated biosensor system for measuring molecular interactions has been used to study the kinetics of monoclonal antibody-antigen reactions. The system combines a microfluidic unit in contact with a sensor surface for surface plasmon resonance detection. The specificity of the surface is determined by the operator. Antibody or antigen is immobilised in a dextran matrix attached to the sensor surface. The interaction of matrix bound antibody or antigen with the corresponding partner in solution is monitored in real time. None of the interacting molecules needs to be labelled and it is not necessary to determine the concentration of the the matrix bound component in advance. Two systems were studied: matrix bound monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) interacting with HIV-1 core protein p24 and immobilised aminotheophylline reacting with MAbs. Control of the amount of immobilised ligand and reusable sensor surfaces permits the comparison of different MAbs reacting with antigen under almost identical conditions. Differences in affinity and reaction rates are immediately apparent. The calculated association rate constants for p24 MAbs ranged from 3 x 10(4) - 7.4 x 10(5) M-1 s-1 and for theophylline MAbs association rate constants as high as 1 x 10(6) M-1 s-1 were encountered. The calculated dissociation rate constants were in the region 2 x 10(-4) s-1 to 2 x 10(-2) s-1.

Real-time biospecific interaction analysis using surface plasmon resonance and a sensor chip technology

We report here the development and application of a biosensor-based technology that employs surface plasmon resonance for label-free studies of molecular interactions in real time. The sensor chip interface, comprising a thin layer of gold deposited on a glass support, is derivatized with a flexible hydrophilic polymer to facilitate the attachment of specific ligands to the surface and to increase the dynamic range for surface concentration measurements. The sensor can be used to measure surface concentrations down to 10 pg/mm2. Typical coefficients of variation are from two to five percent. We anticipate that the ability to monitor multi-molecular complexes as they form will greatly contribute to the understanding of biorecognition and the structural basis of molecular function.

Integrated fluid handling system for biomolecular interaction analysis

An integrated fluid handling system used for multichannel biomolecular interaction analysis is described. Reactions between biological molecules are monitored in real time by measuring changes in the angular position where surface plasmon resonance occurs at a biospecific active surface. The adsorption efficiency of the analyte onto the biospecific active surface is up to approximately 3%, due to the low channel height, 50 microns, in the flow cell. When a large part of the total biospecific active surface for surface plasmon resonance probing (approximately 0.15 mm2) is used, the sensitivity is high. Sample sizes in the order of 1-50 microL can be injected. The sample zone dispersion is minimized by the low dead volume in the system (approximately 0.4 microL) accomplished by using integrated sample loops and thin conduits. An asset of this integration is the low reagent consumption. The sensor chip with the biospecific active surface is reusable and easily exchanged. Experimental results obtained with a theophylline monoclonal antibody as the analyte are compared with a theoretical model. The standard deviation for the repeatability is approximately 5% typically with 50 microL of 250 pM analyte, and the assay time is 10 min. The detection limit is approximately 10 pg of the analyte on the probed spot of the surface. Possible improvements of the sensitivity and detection limit are discussed.

Liposome flow injection immunoassay: model calculations of competitive immunoreactions involving univalent and multivalent ligands

The use of liposomes as detectable reagents in solid-phase immunoassays has been explored in a flow injection immunoanalysis (FIIA) system. Model calculations are presented for FIIA based on the competitive binding of univalent analyte and multivalent liposomes to immobilized antibodies. Parameters such as binding constants, concentrations of liposomes and antibody, and steric hindrance are considered for their relative effects on detectable liposome signal response to analyte concentrations. Qualitative comparisons of the model with the experimental data are made.

Immobilization of binding proteins on nonporous supports. Comparison of protein loading, activity, and stability

Four different nonporous particulate materials, nylon, polystyrene, soda-lime silicate glass, and fused silica glass, have been evaluated for their appropriateness as immobilization supports for immunoglobulins. A method of protein quantitation that is usually applied to solutions, the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay, was used successfully to directly measure ng amounts of protein immobilized on the supports. Two proteins, a monoclonal antibody to theophylline and the biotin binding protein avidin, were studied. Radioactive theophylline and radioactive biotin were used to measure the activity of the immobilized protein. Ligand binding capacity per mm2 of support was measured as a function of amount of protein immobilized. By measuring both the amount of protein immobilized and its ligand binding capacity, we have determined that antitheophylline antibody adsorbed on polystyrene balls loses almost 90% of its binding activity after 65 h, although little protein is lost from the balls over this time. Avidin retains nearly full activity for biotin on polystyrene. The binding activity of biotinyl-antibody conjugate immobilized on avidin-adsorbed polystyrene is stable, even when stored for over 22 wk. Antibody covalently immobilized on soda-lime silicate glass beads retains its binding activity over long-term storage, although only 0.1 mol of 3H-theophylline bind per mol of immobilized antibody. Using fused silica glass particles as the solid support, the same antibody binds approx 0.6 mol of ligand per mol of immobilized antibody protein. The structural "softness" of the immunoglobulin requires that interaction with the surface be prevented in order to maintain activity.

Production and characterisation of anti-theophylline monoclonal antibodies suitable for immunoassay

Spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunised with KLH-theophylline conjugate were fused with a mouse myeloma cell line P3-X63-Ag8.653, and antibody-producing hybrids were identified by enzyme immunoassay. Three cell clones were obtained, each capable of producing a unique monoclonal antibody to theophylline. Using these monoclonal antibodies, an immunoassay system for theophylline was developed.

Liposome flow injection immunoassay: implications for sensitivity, dynamic range, and antibody regeneration

We have developed a liposome-based flow injection immunoassay (FIIA) system for quantitation of a clinical analyte, theophylline. With very minor changes in assay format, this procedure can also be used for the quantitation of anti-theophylline. Automated sequential analyses were performed at room temperature with picomole sensitivity and a day-to-day coefficient of variation of less than 5% for aqueous solutions. The system components include liposomes that contain fluorophores in their aqueous centers and an immobilized-antibody reactor column. The immunoreactor was regenerated hundreds of times over 3 months of continuous use with no measurable loss of antibody activity. The two assay formats studied produced distinct dynamic ranges for their respective analytes. The special advantages of using flow injection analysis for immunoassays and of using liposomes in FIIA are discussed.

Automated determination of drugs in serum by column-switching high-performance liquid chromatography. II. Separation of theophylline and its metabolites

The automated determination of theophylline and related compounds in human serum by column-switching high-performance liquid chromatography, including direct injection of serum samples, is described. TSK pre-column BSA-ODS and TSK gel ODS-80TM were used in the pre-column and analytical column, respectively. Serum samples of 20 microliters were directly injected on to the pre-column. After washing out serum proteins from the pre-column with 0.1 M NaH2PO4 at a flow-rate of 1.0 ml/min for 3.5 min, the effluent from the pre-column was introduced on to the analytical column by a column-switching device. The analysis was performed by stepwise gradient elution using 10 and 18% methanol in 0.1 M NaH2PO4. Theophylline and nine derivatives could be determined simultaneously within 40 min. The recovery of these compounds from serum was 95-103%. The linearity (1.0-50 micrograms/ml theophylline) and reproducibility (coefficient of variation less than 2.0%) were sufficient for drug monitoring at the lower and upper limits of therapeutic concentrations of theophylline.

Use of liposome encapsulation in a combined single-liquid reagent for homogeneous enzyme immunoassay

A technique has been developed to permit mutually reactive macromolecular reagents used in immunoassays to be combined without premature reaction. A conjugate of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49) and theophylline has been encapsulated in 0.2-micron-diameter bi-lamellar liposomes. Suspensions of these liposomes had excellent stability. Whereas the enzyme activity of the free conjugate is rapidly inhibited by anti-theophylline antibody, a suspension of the encapsulated conjugate in a solution of the antibody and NAD+ (6.0 mmol/L) retained greater than 92% of the initial enzyme activity after standing for one year at 4 degrees C. At higher NAD+ concentrations the liposomes aggregated, and enzyme activity was inhibited by leakage of the NAD+ hydrolysis product, adenosine diphosphoryl 5-ribose (ADP-ribose), into the liposomes. Inhibition by ADP-ribose could be blocked and partly reversed by adding semicarbazide. The liposomes were efficiently lysed by Triton X-100, deoxycholate, or octyl glucoside, the kinetics and extent of lysis being affected by liposome size and correlating with the acid strength of various cholate derivatives. Addition of a serum sample and a solution of buffer, substrate, and detergent to a single reagent containing the liposomes and anti-theophylline antibody provided assay results equivalent to those obtained by conventional two-reagent EMIT homogeneous enzyme immunoassay for theophylline.

Use of a reversed-phase evaporation vesicle formulation for a homogeneous liposome immunoassay

Complement-mediated release of enzyme molecules from reversed-phase evaporation vesicles serves as the basis of the sensitive homogeneous immunoassay reported here. We found it necessary to co-entrap the substrate glucose 6-phosphate with the bacterial enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49) to protect enzyme activity during liposome preparation. Enzyme can be released specifically from these liposomes by incubation with antibody and complement. the enzyme is not merely available to substrate but is actually physically free of the liposomes. Inhibition of this complement-mediated lysis by theophylline is the basis for the homogeneous liposome immunoassay described. The assay results vary linearly with theophylline concentrations in plasma in the clinically relevant range, and serum components do not interfere. The reagents in the assay kit are stable for at least seven months when stored at 5 degrees C. No nontheophylline compounds reacted significantly with the antiserum used. The assay can be run in a kinetic format, with either ultraviolet or colorimetric detection.

Impairment of lymphocyte-suppressive system in recent-onset insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Correlation with metabolic control

Impairment of suppressor-cell activity may be important in the pathogenesis and maintenance of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). In 23 recent-onset IDDM patients, lymphocyte sensitivity in vitro to theophylline was tested both in basal conditions and after improvement of metabolic control. This pharmacologic agent is mainly effective on a lymphocytic subpopulation with phenotypic and functional suppressive features. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from IDDM patients showed a loss of theophylline sensitivity, identified as inhibition of both E-rosette formation and blastogenic response to polyclonal mitogens concanavalin A (ConA) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA). An inverse relationship was demonstrated between the theophylline-induced suppression of ConA blastogenic response and blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels (P less than .01). Metabolic control seemed to be important even in relation to lymphocyte subpopulation distribution. In IDDM patients we found a significant (P less than .05) reduction of OKT4+ lymphocytes that is correlated with blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels (P less than .01). The improvement of metabolic control led to recovery of theophylline sensitivity. We suggest a deficiency in a suppressive system that could be involved in IDDM onset and the possible role of metabolic control in the impairment of some immunologic functions reported with this pathologic condition.

Comparison of particle-enhanced turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay and fluorescence polarization immunoassay using monoclonal antibodies for theophylline

The DuPont theophylline assay reagent kit, a particle-enhanced turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay (PETINIA) method adapted for use on a centrifugal fast analyzer, was evaluated. It was compared with fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA). Day-to-day precision was 4.7% at 6.8 micrograms/ml, and 3.3% at 26.6 micrograms/ml. The assay is linear to a concentration of 40 micrograms/ml. Good correlation was found between the two methods (PETINIA/FPIA: y = 1.04x + 0.15, r = 0.988, Syx = 1.19) in the evaluation of 176 patients receiving theophylline. This method offers a precise and accurate alternative to FPIA.

[Immunotropic activity of the cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitors caffeine and theophylline]

On mice immunized with ram erythrocytes it was shown that caffeine and theophylline (15 to 240 mg/kg thrice at different time intervals with respect to the antigenic stimulus) possess identical immunotropic activity. High doses of methylxanthines injected a few days before immunization increased and being administered during immunization decreased the indices of humoral immunity. Low doses of the drugs stimulated immunity but only when administered at the time close to the antigenic stimulus application.

Direct determination of theophylline in serum by fluoroimmunoassay using highly specific antibodies

Described is the development of a fluoroimmunoassay for theophylline using a fluorescein labelled derivative of theophylline as tracer and antibodies coupled to magnetizable solid-phase particles. Three approaches are described for the preparation of antibodies for theophylline, of which one produced highly specific, high titre antibodies. The fluoroimmunoassay using these antibodies required a 10 microL sample, reached equilibrium within 5 min, and the results correlated closely with those of an established enzymoimmunoassay method. Potentially interfering endogenous fluorophores from the serum sample were reliably removed at the separation step of the bound and free fractions. There was no significant cross-reactivity with all other structurally related compounds.

Serum theophylline assay by rate nephelometric inhibition immunoassay: a comparison with high-performance liquid chromatography

The reliability of two clinical laboratory methods for assaying theophylline in serum is compared. Analysis of serum-based standards and 70 patient specimens by rate nephelometric inhibition immunoassay (NIIA) and by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) demonstrates that both methods have comparable random analytical variation. The results indicate that NIIA is a reliable method for measuring serum theophylline and may serve as a practical alternative to the HPLC method.

Homogeneous substrate-labeled fluorescent immunoassay for theophylline in serum

A substrate-labeled fluorescent immunoassay for theophylline in serum is described. 8-(3-Aminopropyl)-theophylline is covalently attached to a fluorogenic enzyme substrate, 7-beta-galactosylcoumarin-3-carboxylic acid. Hydrolysis of this theophylline-labeled substrate by beta-galactosidase yields a fluorescent product. When antibody to theophylline interacts with this substrate, the resulting complex is inactive as an enzyme substrate. For measuring theophylline, competitive protein-binding reactions are set up, with the theophylline in the sample competing with the substrate for the antibody-binding sites. The substrate not bound to antibody is hydrolyzed by beta-galactosidase, producing fluorescence that is proportional to the theophylline concentration. Results for theophylline determined by this method in clinical samples of serum correlated well (r > 0.96) with results obtained by gas-chromatographic or enzyme immunoassay procedures. The within-run CV for three control samples ranged from 1.1 to 2.8%, the between-run CB from 2.3 to 4.5%.

[Mechanisms of insulin action on antibody-forming cells in vitro]

The influence of different doses of insulin on the quality of plaque forming cells (PFC) has been studied in the spleen cell suspension of immune mouse in vitro, the effect of insulin being dose depending. The quantity of PFC in vitro increased during the incubation with a large dose of insulin and decreased with a small dose. The influence of specific activators and inhibitors of cyclic nucleotides on the effect of insulin has been revealed. It is suggested that insulin may exert its influence on the appearance of PFC through changing the relationships of intracellular cyclic nucleotides.

Specific antibodies to theophylline for use in a homogeneous enzyme immunoassay

Bovine serum albumin conjugate of 1-methyl-3-(3'-carboxypropyl)xanthine elicits highly specific anti-theophylline antibodies when injected into sheep. When used in a homogeneous enzyme immunoassay for theophylline these antibodies show insignificant cross-reactivity (less than 1%) to 1-methyl- and 1,3-dimethyluric acid, 3-methylxanthine, caffeine, and theobromine. In contrast, immunogens prepared from the C-8 functionalized drug afford antibodies which show more serious cross-reactivity to these compounds. Plausible rationale for attachment of the drug to carrier proteins through its N-3 position which furnished specific antibodies are given.

Competitive nephelometric immunoassay of theophylline in plasma

We have developed an accurate, simple, and rapid method for the determination of theophylline in plasma. The principle of the method is based on inhibition of immunoprecipitation by hapten. A nephelometer is used to measure the scattered light from the immunoprecipitate. The macromolecule, which possesses numerous theophylline moieties and forms immunoprecipitate with anti-theophylline antibodies, can be easily prepared and used as the reagent for the assay. Theophylline in the assay mixture competitively inhibits the immunoprecipitation of the macromolecule. Therefore, theophylline can be determined by the measurement of the decrease of the scattered light. The assay is rapid (incubation time within 15 min), requires as little as 10 microliter of plasma, and requires neither troublesome pretreatment nor separation of antibody-bound from free antigen. Estimations of theophylline levels in patient plasma specimens correlate well to those obtained by the high performance liquid chromatography (correlation coefficient 0.971).

[Synthesis, physico-chemical and antigenic properties of the conjugated antigens of xanthine- and theophylline proteins]

Conjugated antigens of xanthine- and theophylline-protein were synthesized by the reaction of diazosalts of 8-aminoxanthine and 8-aminotheophylline with bovine serum albumin. UV-spectra of the synthesized preparations were studied and content of xanthine and theophylline, covalently bound with the substances, was estimated. Immunization of animals with the conjugates was found to cause the occurrence of antibodies in blood serum, which bound specifically various derivatives of purine.

Theophylline radioimmunoassay: synthesis of antigen and characterization of antiserum

Antisera to theophylline (T) have been obtained by immunizing rabbits with a conjugate of 8-(3-carboxypropyl)-1,3-dimethylxanthine and bovine serum albumin. Comparison of 50% displacement values indicated good selectivity for T vs. a number of other xanthine derivatives. An analytical procedure using this antiserum can measure 200 pg of T and direct analysis of 0.1 mug/ml in plasma or 0.02 mug/ml in saliva is feasible.