A new immunoradioactive agent: 32P-conjugated antibody

• Published in: Clinical and experimental immunology Vol. 3; no. 8; pp. 865 - 872
• Main Authors: Spence, R A, Swan, J M, De Boer, W G, Ghose, T, Nairn, R C, Rolland, J M, Ward, H A, Wright, S H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.10.1968
• Subjects: Animals; Antibodies; Antilymphocyte Serum - therapeutic use; Autoradiography; gamma-Globulins; Goats; Immunization, Passive; Immunodiffusion; Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Phosphinic Acids; Phosphorus Isotopes; Techniques
• ISSN: 0009-9104; 1365-2249

A radioactive organophosphorus compound, 32 P-diphenylphosphinothioic chloride (D 32 PT chloride) was synthesized from commercially available radioactive phosphorus pentasulphide of high specific activity and conjugated to an immunoglobulin. Goat anti-human-globulin was used and the conjugation had no material effect on its antibody titre. The conjugate was highly radioactive and contained on average twenty-eight phosphorus atoms per globulin molecule. The chemical combination was stable and permitted specific immunodiffusion and immunohistological localization of the antibody as judged by autoradiography. About half of the radioactivity was covalently linked and the rest was probably attached by ionic and/or hydrogen bonds. Highly energetic β-particles only are emitted by 32 P and its coupling to antibody should provide a precisely selective immunoradioactive agent for cell and tissue destruction. It might be effective in potentiating anti-lymphocytic sera and, as they become available, anti-cancer sera.