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Specific radioimmunoassay for human. beta. -lipotropin

Journal Article · · J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.; (United States)
A homologous RIA for human ..beta..-lipotropin (..beta..hLPH) has been developed. At a final dilution of 1:24,000, the antiserum employed shows cross-reaction with ..beta..hLPH but none with human ..beta..-MSH (..beta..hMSH), and it is concluded that the antigenic determinant lies within the N-terminal 1 to 36 region of ..beta..hLPH. With extraction of 3-ml plasma samples, the assay is sufficiently sensitive to measure circulating ..beta..hLPH levels in normal individuals at 0900 h (25 to 200 pg/ml). There is a circadian variation with levels falling to (less than 20 to 80 pg/ml) at 2300 h. ..beta..hLPH levels rise after metyrapone and after insulin-induced hypoglycemia, and fall after administration of dexamethasone. In patients with a variety of diseases of the pituitary-adrenal axis, levels of ..beta..hLPH follow immunoreactive ACTH levels, although the two are not always secreted on a 1:1 molar basis.
Research Organization:
St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London
OSTI ID:
6753067
Journal Information:
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.; (United States) Vol. 47:1; ISSN JCEMA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English