A sensitive radioimmunoassay for corticotropin using a fully biologically active ¹²⁵I-labeled ligand

Abstract

The human corticotropin (ACTH) analog, Phe²,Nle⁴-ACTH-(l-38) was iodinated by the chloramine-T procedure and the product was purified by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. The specific radioactivity of [¹²⁵I]Tyr²³,Phe²,Nle⁴-ACTH-(l-38) was determined by comparing the antiserum binding curves of the iodinated peptide and [³H]ACTH of known specific activity. This method gave a value of 1800±75 Ci/mmol, which is close to the theoretical radioactivity expected for the introduction of a single ¹²⁵I atom into the peptide. [¹²⁵I]Tyr²³,Phe²,Nle⁴-ACTH-(l-38) was as potent as ACTH in stimulating corticosterone production in isolated rat adrenocortical cells. The concentrations for half-maximal steroidogenesis were 36.5±6.1 pM for the ¹²⁵I derivative and 37.6±6.7 pM for ACTH. By the use of this 125I-labeled ligand, a highly sensitive RIA capable of detecting 1 pg ACTH was developed. The antiserum employed in this study appeared to be directed against residues 11-13 of ACTH.