TY - JOUR T1 - SPECIFICITIES OF ANTIBODIES TO MORPHINE JF - Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics JO - J Pharmacol Exp Ther SP - 514 LP - 521 VL - 180 IS - 2 AU - Helen Van Vunakis AU - Eleanor Wasserman AU - Lawrence Levine Y1 - 1972/02/01 UR - http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/180/2/514.abstract N2 - 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. © 1972 by The Williams & Wilkins Co. ER -