Enzyme immunoassay for (3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole), a tryptophan pyrolysate

For evaluation of the cancer risk by the tryptophan pyrolysates a sensitive enzyme immunoassay for 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido-[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2), a mutagenic and carcinogenic substance, found in foods and biological fluids has been developed. The dose-response curve obtained was suitable for the determination of Trp-P-2 in the range of 20-800 pg. The immunoassay system was characterized to be satisfactorily specific as judged by cross-reactivity to gamma-carboline derivatives and their precursors, and comparison of immunoreactive Trp-P-2 levels in the basic and neutral fraction derived from pyrolyzed amino acids and related compounds.