Abstract
3-Carboxymethylmorphine was coupled to polylysine with the use of carbodiimide. The conjugates, complexed to succinylated hemocyanin, were used to immunize rabbits and guinea pigs. Antibody activity, found in the 7 S γ-globulin fraction of the rabbit serum, increased during the course of immunization. Codeine was most effectively bound to anti-carboxymethylmorphine. In order of decreasing effectiveness, dihydrocodeine, morphine, heroin, hydromorphone and nalorphine also cross-react with anti-carboxymethylmorphine. A radioimmunoassay for measurement of these compounds at the picomole level has been developed. Twenty-two of 35 extracts of autopsy sera from cases of sudden death suspected of drug abuse were positive when tested for reaction with the morphine antiserum by this radioimmunoassay.
Footnotes
- Received August 20, 1971.
- Accepted October 12, 1971.
- © 1972 by The Williams & Wilkins Co.
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