Pharmacological Reviews, Vol 25, 293-307, Copyright © 1973 by the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics

Antibodies to Pharmacologically Active Molecules: Specificities and Some Applications of Antiprostaglandins

¹ Graduate Department of Biochemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts

Because of the low concentrations of these prostaglandin compounds in tissues and fluids and because of the large number of closely related structures, analytical procedures for their quantitative and qualitative estimation are not adequate or are restricted to only a few laboratories. Specific antibodies can now quantitate the following compounds: PGF₂, PGF₁, 15-keto-PGF₂, 13, 14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF₂, and 13,14-dihydro-PGF₂. For some analyses, the samples can be assayed and identified with only one antiserum. For other analyses, a combination of antisera must be used for positive identification. Antisera directed toward PGB, which indirectly measure POE or PGA or both, i.e., POE or PGA can be converted to PGB by treatment with NaOH, are also available; it is hoped that soon antisera that can measure the PGE metabolites will be produced.

Knowledge of the levels of prostaglandins, prostaglandin metabolites, and activities of the prostaglandin synthetic and metabolic enzymes in tissues and biological fluids would help to establish a physiological role(s) for the prostaglandin system.

Note:

We very much appreciate the gifts of prostaglandins and metabolites from the Upjohn Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Dr. E. J. Corey of the Department of Chemistry, Harvard University gave us the PGE₂ for immunization.