Specific Immunoassays for Quinine and Quinidine: Comparison of Radioimmunoassay and Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay Procedures

Abstract

Antisera have been raised against quinine and against quinidine, both Cinchona alkaloids of economic importance. The antisera have been used to set up RIA's, after synthesis of appropriate radiolabels, and ELISA's of the indirect, double antibody format. Characterisation of the two methods show the antisera to be specific for the stereochemistry of the particular hapten. The ELISA's have several advantages over the RIA's, including showing greater specificity and sensitivity, and being quicker and technically easier to perform.