Development of a model using polypeptide antibodies for scintigraphy of the pancreas

A study was designed to develop an agent for pancreatic scintigraphy with greater specificity for the pancreas than selenomethionine. A series of successful experiments was performed using rabbit-produced antibodies to the recently discovered hormone, pancreatic polypeptide. Via hemagglutination and radiolabeled hemagglutination studies, the antibody activity was demonstrated. Gel diffusion studies showed selective uptake by the rat pancreas of intravenously injected antibody and no uptake by the liver and spleen. Immunocytochemical studies on human tissue demonstrated the same selectivity for the pancreas. Also, the titers of different batches of rabbit-produced antibody were quantitated by the enzyme-linked immunospecific assay system. These studies indicate that polypeptide antibody has the potential for carrying a radionuclide selectively to the pancreas.