Enzyme-linked immunoassay. Conjugation of rabbit anti-(human immunoglobulin G) antibody with beta-D-galactosidase from Escherichia coli and its use for human immunoglobulin G assay

Rapid, convenient, and highly sensitive detection of human hemoglobin in serum using a high-affinity bivalent antibody-enzyme complex

Human hemoglobin (Hb) is a biomarker of several diseases, and monitoring of Hb levels is required during emergent surgery. However, rapid and sensitive Hb detection methods are yet to be developed. The present study established a rapid, convenient, and highly sensitive detection method for Hb in human serum using a bivalent antibody-enzyme complex (AEC). AECs are promising sensing elements because of their ability to bind specific targets and their catalytic activity that produce signals. We recently reported a convenient and universal method to fabricate bivalent AECs with two antibody fragments, using the SpyCatcher/SpyTag system. The present study applied a bivalent AEC for highly sensitive and quantitative detection of human Hb. The bivalent anti-Hb AEC was successfully prepared by incubating both N- and C-terminus SpyCatcher-fused glucose dehydrogenase and SpyTag-fused anti-Hb single-chain variable fragments at 4 °C. As expected, the bivalent AEC for Hb with a multimeric structure showed higher affinity than the monovalent AEC, by means of avidity effects, unlike that for soluble epidermal growth factor receptor with a monomeric structure; this contributed to a great improvement in sensitivity. Finally, we established a rapid and wash-free homogeneous electrochemical detection system for Hb by integrating magnetic beads. The linear range of the system completely covered the clinically required Hb levels, even in human serum. This technology provides an ideal point-of-care test for Hb and other multimeric biomarkers.

Reduction-alkylation strategies for the modification of specific monoclonal antibody disulfides

Site-specific conjugation of small molecules and enzymes to monoclonal antibodies has broad utility in the formation of conjugates for therapeutic, diagnostic, or structural applications. Precise control over the location of conjugation would yield highly homogeneous materials that could have improved biological properties. We describe for the first time chemical reduction and oxidation methods that lead to preferential cleavage of particular monoclonal antibody interchain disulfides using the anti-CD30 IgG1 monoclonal antibody cAC10. Alkylation of the resulting cAC10 cysteine thiols with the potent antimitotic agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) enabled the assignment of drug conjugation location by purification with hydrophobic interaction chromatography followed by analysis using reversed-phase HPLC and capillary electrophoresis. These analytical methods demonstrated that treating cAC10 with reducing agents such as DTT caused preferential reduction of heavy-light chain disulfides, while reoxidation of fully reduced cAC10 interchain disulfides caused preferential reformation of heavy-light chain disulfides. Following MMAE conjugation, the resulting conjugates had isomeric homogeneity as high as 60-90%, allowing for control of the distribution of molecular species. The resulting conjugates are highly active both in vitro and in vivo and are well tolerated at efficacious doses.

Anti-human interleukin 2 receptor monoclonal antibody isotypic switching: chimeric rat-human antibodies

Univalent and bivalent (2Fab'-Fc) chimeric rat-human antibodies were constructed by chemical coupling (thioether bonds) of Fab' fragments from the 33B31 rat anti-human interleukin 2 receptor (alpha chain) monoclonal antibody to human IgG or Fc fragments. The purity of the chimeric antibodies obtained after purification was assessed by the sodium dodecyl sulfide-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis method. The affinity of chimeric antibodies for the human interleukin 2 receptor was determined. The affinity of the 2Fab'-Fc was better (Kd = 0.87 nM) than that of the Fab'-IgG (Kd = 2.04 nM) or the Fab'-Fc chimera (Kd = 3.93 nM). Binding studies on a T-cell clone showed that the percentage of positive cells recognized by chimeric antibodies was comparable to that obtained with unmodified 33B3.1 IgG2a or its corresponding Fab' fragment. In addition, the inhibition of interleukin 2-induced cell proliferation and allogeneic proliferative response by chimeric antibodies was of the same magnitude as that obtained with the rat IgG2a anti-interleukin 2 receptor monoclonal antibody and Fab' fragments. This study shows the possibility of changing the isotype of monoclonal antibodies without important modification to their binding activity. These reagents may offer an alternative to unmodified monoclonal antibodies for therapeutic application.

A lectin-based monoclonal enzyme immunoassay to distinguish fucosylated and non-fucosylated alpha-fetoprotein molecular variants

Purified alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), fucosylated AFP mixtures, and 40 sera from patients with AFP-producing hepatocellular carcinoma were analysed by monoclonal enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to distinguish fucosylated and nonfucosylated AFP molecular variants. FUC-AFP-25 was discriminated from FUC-AFP-75 by the EIA using monoclonal antibody 18H4 in the range of total AFP concentrations from 100 to 800 ng/mL. In addition, sera from 40 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, with AFP concentrations from 100 to 1270 ng/mL and with fucosylated AFP from 0 to 100% by conventional cross immuno-affinoelectrophoresis, were also analysed by the present EIA. A statistically significant correlation was obtained between the data from the present EIA and from the conventional crossed immuno-affinoelectrophoresis in the range of fucosylated AFP more than 20% and the serum concentration of AFP more than 100 ng/mL. These results indicate that the present EIA is useful for clinical detection of hepatocellular carcinoma during the follow-up of patients with chronic liver diseases.

Sensitive fluorogenic enzyme immunoassay on nitrocellulose membranes for quantitation of virus

A highly sensitive fluorogenic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (FELISA), which utilizes nitrocellulose membranes as solid phase support, has been developed for the detection and identification of virus in clinical samples. Reagents were standardized and, using purified Newcastle disease virus (NDV) as a model, the theoretical lower limits of test sensitivity of the FELISA were compared, in both "sandwich" and "indirect" formats, to those of a comparable chromogenic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CELISA). Of the systems evaluated, the "sandwich" FELISA exhibited maximum sensitivity and detected 10 fg of purified virus protein per milliliter of test sample (500 ag per test volume). Specificity of the "sandwich" FELISA was evaluated by challenging the system with heterologous strains of NDV and with other serologically related and unrelated viruses. In a clinical trial in which fecal materials from chickens undergoing vaccination with NDV were assayed directly by FELISA, the virus was detected from the first to approximately the tenth day post-vaccination. The test is simple to perform and results can be obtained in approximately 4 h.

Close topographical relationship in alpha foetoprotein (AFP) between a lens culinaris binding glycan and the epitope recognized by AFP-reactive monoclonal antibody, 18H4

Monoclonal antibodies 18H4 and 19F12 against alpha-foetoprotein (AFP) were examined by enzyme immunoassay for binding to two forms of AFP that were separated on the basis of the reactivity with lentil lectin (LCA). LCA-binding and LCA non-binding AFP, coated on a solid phase, reacted with 18H4 but reactivity with the LCA-binding species was inhibited by 60% following pretreatment of the AFP with LCA. The lectin was a very poor inhibitor of binding of 18H4 to the AFP which did not interact with LCA. In an alternative binding assay, a polyclonal anti-AFP coated solid phase was reacted with beta-galactosidase-labelled 18H4. Pre-treatment with LCA of the LCA-reactive AFP gave 56% inhibition of binding of conjugated 18H4 while little inhibition was achieved with the LCA-nonreactive AFP component. These findings show that the epitope recognised by 18H4 is distinct from the glycan sequence that is reactive with LCA. However, the LCA-binding oligosaccharides occur in close proximity to the 18H4 epitope in the native AFP.

Two-site enzyme immunoassay for alpha-fetoprotein involving column chromatography

We developed a sensitive enzyme immunoassay for alpha-fetoprotein by use of a novel separation method. The assay system consisted of goat antibodies labeled with beta-D-galactosidase, the same antibodies labeled with F(ab')2 fragments of rabbit IgG, and a microcolumn (0.1 ml) containing Sepharose 4B with immobilized goat antibodies to rabbit IgG. Each serum sample or standard alpha-fetoprotein was incubated with the enzyme-labeled antibodies and the F(ab')2-labeled antibodies, then the reaction mixture was passed through the column. alpha-Fetoprotein, which linked with both the enzyme-labeled antibody and the F(ab')2-labeled antibody, bound to the antibody to rabbit IgG immobilized on Sepharose 4B in the column. The column was washed to remove the unbound label, and the buffer in the column was replaced by a solution of omicron-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactoside. After 60 min at 30 degrees C, the enzyme reaction was stopped by washing the column with sodium carbonate solution. From the absorbance of the eluate at 420 nm, alpha-fetoprotein in the sample could be determined. Values obtained by this method and those obtained by a radioimmunoassay correlated well (slope = 0.989, y-intercept = -0.327 micrograms/l, r = 0.995).

Preparation of polyamine antibody and its use in enzyme immunoassay of spermine and spermidine with beta-D-galactosidase as a label

An enzyme immunoassay for polyamines is described which uses beta-galactosidase labeled spermine and antiserum raised in rabbits against spermine-bovine serum albumin synthesized by coupling spermine to mercaptosuccinylated bovine serum albumin with a bifunctional cross-linker, N-(gamma-maleimidobutyryloxy)-succinimide. The lower limit of detection by this assay, which involves a double antibody technique for the separation of antibody-bound and free antigen, was 1 ng of spermine per tube. The anti-spermine serum showed 88% cross-reaction with spermidine but only 0.13% with putrescine, 0.08% with 1,3-diaminopropane, and 0.04% with cadaverine. The method has been used to measure serum polyamine levels in healthy subjects and cancer patients, in whom mean concentrations of 58.1 ng/ml and 94.8 ng/ml (as spermine), were respectively noted. This enzyme immunoassay is specific, accurate and easy to perform, and appears suitable for routine clinical use.

Enzyme/anti-enzyme monoclonal antibody soluble immune complexes (EMAC): their use in quantitative immunoenzymatic assays

Enzyme/anti-enzyme antibody soluble immune complexes were prepared with monoclonal mouse antibodies (MA) which were directed against peroxidase (PO) and beta-galactosidase (GAL). These enzyme monoclonal antibody complexes (EMAC) functioned as markers to quantify mouse antibodies using an enzyme immunoassay which incorporated an anti-mouse Ig as the bridge between the EMAC and the specific antibody bound to an antigen immobilized on a polystyrene plate. EMAC prepared with PO (PO-MAC) or with GAL (GAL-MAC) were both effective in quantifying polyclonal as well as monoclonal mouse antibodies, and gave sensitivity equal or superior to that obtained with covalent enzyme/anti-mouse Ig conjugates. The smaller amount of antibodies detected with EMAC depended on the affinity of both the antibody tested and the monoclonal antibody used to prepare EMAC. This method is an improvement on the 'antibody bridge' method, because EMAC can be prepared easily by simply mixing the enzyme and the MA at the appropriate amounts 2 h prior to use. In addition, EMAC can be prepared using crude preparations of enzyme and unpurified ascitic fluids containing the MA, thus decreasing the cost of the test considerably.

Development of sensitive immunoassays for detection of antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen

Three micro solid phase immunoassays (a micro-SPRIA and two ELISA techniques) were developed and tested for the detection of anti-HBs antibodies. Two different crosslinkers (glutaraldehyde and N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate) were used to couple a goat anti-mouse IgG reagent to alkaline phosphatase for use as enzyme-labeled probes in the two ELISA tests. With the latter crosslinker, a defined conjugate with a 1:1 antibody-enzyme molar ratio was obtained. The sensitivities of micro-SPRIA and the two types of ELISA were compared to that of the commercial solid phase radioimmunoassay AUSAB test. All three microtests were significantly more sensitive than the AUSAB test. The ELISA using the glutaraldehyde cross-linked conjugate was 3-5 times less sensitive than micro-SPRIA, while the ELISA using the disulfide-linked conjugate was 2.6-4.0 times more sensitive than micro-SPRIA.

Enzymes as versatile labels and signal amplifiers for monitoring immunochemical reactions

Enzymes have proven to be sensitive and versatile labels for immunochemical assays. The sensitivity of an enzyme label stems from its extraordinary catalytic power which in turn provides a great amplification of signals. Its versatility, however, stems from the fact that enzyme activity can be modulated by a number of substances. Enzyme labeled immunoassays can be divided into two categories: (a) heterogeneous and (b) homogeneous (non-separation). In the heterogeneous systems, the quantitation of the antibody bound and unbound fractions requires a physical separation of these two fractions, whereas the homogeneous or non-separation systems do not require such a separation. In the homogeneous systems, the unbound and antibody bound fractions can be distinguished functionally. A total of 11 unique principles used in the development of enzyme labeled immunoassays are described. The advantages, disadvantages and limitations of them are considered, as well as the future paths for research and developments.

Miniaturization of beta-galactosidase immunoassays using chromogenic and fluorogenic substrates

Enzyme immunoassay techniques are widely use to quantify various antigens and antibodies. The final step of these techniques (i.e. enzyme reaction) may be carried out in several ways (e.g. chromogenic, fluorogenic, or radioactive substrate and thermometric measurement). This paper compares the effectiveness of the chromogenic and the fluorogenic substrates in the beta-galactosidase immunoassay. Using microtitration plates (150 microliter samples) coated with anti-human IgE, and anti-human IgE labeled with E. coli beta-galactosidase, the lowest concentrations of IgE that one could detect employing either the chromogenic (o-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside) or the fluorogenic (4-methyl-umbelliferyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside) substrate were determined. It was found that both substrates were almost equally effective in measuring the lowest concentration of IgE (0.075-0.13 IU/ml) under the optimal conditions. But, using fluorogenic substrate and suitable apparatuses the enzyme immunoassay can be miniaturized. Thus by using decreasing volumes of reagents, progressively smaller amounts of antigen were quantified: as the sample volumes were reduced from 150 to 10 microliter and finally to 0.3 microliter a progressive decrease from 7 x 107 molecules of IgE to 2.9 x 107 molecules and to 1.5 x 106 molecules was observed. The corresponding lowest detection limits were 0.075 IU/ml, 0.46 IU/ml and 0.8 IU/ml.

Novel preparation method of immunogen for hydrophobic hapten, enzyme immunoassay for daunomycin and adriamycin

The present study was undertaken to develop a novel method of preparing a hydrophobic hapten as immunogen. The anticancer drug, daunomycin (DM) was used as prototype and coupled to mercaptosuccinylated bovine serum albumin (MS, BSA) with N-(gamma-maleimidobutyryloxy)succinimide (GMBS). Injection of rabbits with a conjugate (DM-GMBS-MS.BSA) which contained 7.3 DM per BSA molecule produced good levels of anti-DM antibody which was detected by the reaction of diluted antiserum with beta-D-galactosidase-labeled DM. beta-D-galactosidase-labeled DM was used to develop a double antibody enzyme immunoassay for DM and for the DM homologue adriamycin (AM) which reproducibly detected as little as 1 pmole of either drug. A variety of commonly used other anticancer drugs were tested and had little reactivity in this immunoassay. These studies indicate that the anti-DM serum produced is highly specific.

A sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the quantitation of antigen-specific murine immunoglobulin E

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the quantitation of 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP)-specific murine immunoglobulin (Ig) E is described. The assay uses beta-galactosidase, which is conjugated to goat anti-rabbit gamma-globulin (GARG) via a method using a mild heterobifunctional cross-linking reagent, m-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxy-succinimide ester (MBS). The assay has a sensitivity for detection of about 200 pg/ml of anti-DNP IgE. Analyses of murine serum samples using this ELISA correlate well with those obtained using the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in rats. With the use of automated 96-well reader, data acquisition is rapid and, therefore, this ELISA is ideal for analyses of large numbers of samples. The assay can be easily modified for the measurement of other Ig classes and of IgE of other antigen specificities.

Comparison of enzyme-labelled F(ab')2 and IgG conjugates in an enzyme-immunoassay for hepatitis B 'e' antigen

An improved enzyme-immunoassay (EIA) for the detection of hepatitis B 'e' antigen (HBeAg) and its corresponding antibody is described. The present test is as sensitive as the previous one but it is more specific as demonstrated by testing donor/recipient sera, donor plasmas and patients sera. Interference by antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) did not occur due to the use of HBsAg-free reagents. Interference by rheumatoid factor could be avoided by using enzyme-labelled F(ab')2 rather than IgG conjugates. The application of an F(ab')2 conjugate, however, introduced other non-specific reactions, particularly in sera from patients with (autoimmune) liver disorder. Further study into the applicability of F(ab')2 conjugates is therefore indicated.

Visual reading of enzyme immunofluorescence assays for human cytomegalovirus antibodies

Enzyme immunofluorescence assays for cytomegalovirus antibodies could be read satisfactorily using a light box with ultraviolet illumination. Higher antibody titers were obtained with a fluorogenic substrate than with a color-producing substrate.

Quantification of digoxin by enzyme immunoassay: synthesis of a maleimide derivative of digoxigenin succinate for enzyme coupling

We synthesized the m-maleimidobenzoyl derivative of digoxigenin-3-0-succinate (through a p-phenylenediamine bridge) as a hapten derivative directed towards coupling to sulfhydryl grouos of beta-galactosidase. Prepared enzyme conjugate had about 97% of the enzyme labeled with the hapten derivative while retaining full enzyme activity. The enzyme immunoassay for digoxin we prepared showed a maximum sensitivity of 30 pg per assay (c.v. = 3%) with minimal cross-reaction with digotoxin (3.8%). Our method for hapten conjugation to beta-galactosidase is highly efficient and is simple and easily replicated.

Synthesis of maleimide derivative of cortisol for enzyme coupling is cortisol enzyme immunoassay

A new cortisol derivative, cortisol-21-m-maleimidobenzoate (CMB), was synthesized and conjugated with sulfhydryl groups of beta-galactosidase (BG). Both CMB-BG and CHS-BG conjugates have a high immunoreactivity to cortisol antibody, and although CHS-BG does not displace well with the added cortisol, CMB-BG does.

A comparison of the ability of beta-galactosidase and horseradish peroxidase enzyme-antibody conjugates to detect specific antibodies

The ability of two different enzyme-antibody conjugates to detect specific antibodies has been compared. beta-Galactosidase was conjugated to antibodies raised against rabbit Fc fragments using m-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (MBS). Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was conjugated to part of the same batch of antibodies using the periodate method. The beta-galactosidase and HRP labels enabled detection of approximately 8 fmoles and 4 fmoles respectively of human growth hormone (HGH) antibodies, when their enzyme activities were measured spectrophotometrically. The detection limit of the beta-galactosidase label was increased 4-fold when a fluorimetric detection system was employed.

Conjugation of glucose oxidase from Aspergillus niger and rabbit antibodies using N-hydroxysuccinimide ester of N-(4-carboxycyclohexylmethyl)-maleimide

Glucose oxidase from Aspergillus niger was conjugated with rabbit immunoglobulin G or its monovalent fragments (Fab'). The enzyme was treated with N-hydroxysuccinimide ester of N-(4-carboxycyclohexylmethyl)-maleimide to introduce maleimide groups, which were then allowed to react with thiol groups of reduced IgG or Fab'. More than 40% of immunoglobulin G, Fab' and enzyme used could be conjugated without self-coupling. The enzyme activity decreased about 26 and 15% upon conjugation with immunoglobulin G and Fab', respectively, and the ability of antibody to bind to antigen was well preserved in conjugates. Conjugate preparations purified by gel filtration contained little free form of immunoglobulin G, Fab' or enzyme. Both the cross-link and enzyme activity in Fab' conjugate were stable at pH 6-7 at 4 degrees C for at least 6 months.

Enzyme immunoassay: a review

In the last few years, the use of enzyme labels in immunoassays has been investigated. The aim of this review is to evaluate critically the role of such labels in clinical biochemistry. Special attention has been given to the problems involved in preparing enzyme labels and the ways in which such labels can be used in a variety of heterogeneous and homogeneous assay systems.

Efficient conjugation of rabbit Fab' with beta-D-galactosidase from Escherichia coli

An efficient procedure for the conjugation of rabbit Fab' with beta-D-galactosidase from Escherichia coli using N,N-o-phenylenedimaleimide is described. Thiol groups of Fab' were stabilized by the presence of ethylenediaminetetraacetate, and malemide groups were shown to be stable at pH 5 at 4 degrees C. The stability of thiol and maleimide groups enabled an efficient introduction of maleimide groups into Fab' and the average number of maleimide groups introduced into Fab' was 0.76 (range 0.73-0.79; n = 10) per molecule. As a result, 43.4% (range 41.3-46.9%; n = 6) of Fab' used could be conjugated with most of beta-D-galactosidase used. The average number of Fab' molecules conjugated per enzyme molecule was calculated to be 4.2 (range 4.0-4.6; n = 6). Both the enzyme and antibody activities were well preserved in the conjugate. There was no self-coupling of Fab', although the enzyme was polymerized to some extent during the conjugation reaction. The enzyme activity and cross-link in the conjugate was stable at pH 6.0-7.0 at 4 degrees C for at least 3 months.

A novel method in enzyme immunoassay: maleimide derivative of hapten for enzyme coupling

Meta-maleimidobenzoyl derivative of L-thyroxine methyl ester (MBTM) was synthesized and coupled to beta-galactosidase at molar ratio of over 5 to 1. More than 97% of the enzyme was found to be labeled with MBTM. A thyroxine enzyme immunoassay was carried out with sensitivity in 0-10 microgram/100 ml range.

The conjugation of testosterone with horseradish peroxidase and a sensitive enzyme assay for the conjugate

The formation of a horseradish peroxidase-testosterone conjugate for the enzyme-linked immunoassay of testosterone was investigated, using tritiated testosterone to follow the reaction. The formation of testosterone-3-(carboxymethyl) oxime-peroxidase by the mixed anhydride method was found to give a conjugate of high enzymatic activity and with three molecules of testosterone per molecule of peroxidase. The optimum conditions for the assay of peroxidase activity were studied and an assay capable of measuring 1 to 5 ng of the conjugate developed; the standard curve being virtually linear. The stability of the conjugate in solution and the effect of lyophilisation on enzymatic activity are also described. The peroxidase-testosterone conjugate was suitable for enzyme-linked immunoassay and the quantities measurable with the peroxidase assay covered the range necessary for a plasma testosterone assay. The stability of the conjugate was such that no particular precautions were necessary for its storage.

A microfluorometric assay for immunoglobulin class and subclass levels in murine serum

The IgG fractions of rabbit antisera specific for the Fc part of mouse IgA, IgM, and the four subclasses of IgG (1, 2a, 2b, and 3) were coupled covalently to Sepharose beads by the cyanogen bromide method. The beads were then incubated with different dilutions of mouse serum. The mouse immunoglobulins (Ig) binding to the beads were demonstrated by the use of a fluorescent goat anti-mouse/Ig conjugate. Incubations were done in flat bottom of the plates with an inverted microfluorometer. The logarithm of the fluorescence was linearly related to the logarithm of the serum dilution for serum dilutions between 10(3) and 10(5). Ig levels of individual samples can be determined with as little as 1 mul of serum. The sensitivity of the method for IgM was estimated with MOPC 104E plasmacytoma IgM. Five ng of IgM per sample was easily detected. The method offers an attractive alternative to radioimmunoassay techniques.

Enzyme-linked sandwich immunoassay of macromolecular antigens using the rabbit antibody-coupled glass rod as a solid phase

A highly sensitive sandwich immunoassay of macromolecular antigens using the rabbit antibody Fab' - beta-D-galactosidase complex and the rabbit antibody immunoglobulin-G-coupled glass rod as a solid phase is described. The Fab' fragments of rabbit antibody IgG are conjugated with beta-D-galactosidase from Escherichia coli using N,N'-o-phenylenedimaleimide. Rabbit antibody IgG is coupled to the aminoalkylsilyl glass rods (3 mm in diameter and 5 mm in length) using glutaraldehyde. A wide range of the concentrations of rabbit IgG fraction (20-2000 mug/ml) is effective for coupling, and the amount of rabbit immunoglobulin G coupled can be controlled. The smallest amounts of ornithine delta-aminotransferase from rat liver, human immunoglobulin G and 2,4-dinitrophenyl human immunoglobulin G that can be determined are 0.03, 0.3 and 0.04 fmol, respectively. The sensitivity of the assay for these antigens is affected mainly by the non-specific binding of the complexes to the solid phase and the ability of antigen molecules, adsorbed on the solid phase, to bind specifically the complexes. The assay with the rabbit antibody immunoglobulin-G-coupled glass rods is simpler and more sensitive than that with the rabbit antibody immunoglobulin-G-coupled Sepharose 4B.