AGGLUTINATION INHIBITION REACTIONS FOR THE DETERMINATION OF GONADOTROPHINS

ABSTRACT Various techniques for sensitising erythrocytes and latex particles with gonadotrophins, particularly with HCG, are described. The haemagglutination inhibition reactions are generally interpreted by means of »erythrocyte settling patterns«. By a new method of evaluating these patterns a relatively precise quantitative determination is possible. Latex agglutination inhibition reactions on slides are particularly suitable as rapid qualitative tests. In cases where the maximum attainable sensitivity of the agglutination inhibition tests is insufficient, e. g. for determining LH concentrations in urine, the hormone in the test fluid has to be concentrated or extracted. An alternative method is a modified haemagglutination inhibition test for large volumes which is applicable to unconcentrated urine. Due to non-specific inhibitions the above-mentioned tests cannot be applied to unprocessed serum. Agglutination inhibition tests with HCG are already well advanced, pregnancy diagnosis being their main application. Now that highly purified HCG is available, a satisfactory specificity for these tests can be attained. If the immune system for HCG is used for estimating LH, it has to meet additional specificity requirements. Furthermore, the measure of cross-reaction and the choice of standard merit special attention. Finally, a literature survey is given of test systems in which LH and FSH were used as antigens.