A homologous biological probe for parathyroid hormone in human serum

A method of measuring the biological activity of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in human serum that depends on the activation of its natural target enzyme, human renal cortical adenylate cyclase, is described. Optimal sensitivity ranging in different assays from 14 to 20 pg 1-34 hPTH/ml was achieved in the presence of the GTP-analogue GppNHp (10 mumol/L), 5 mmol/L MgCl2 and 1.25 mmol/L EGTA. Basal and stimulated cAMP production was reproducible within assays (c.v. below 7%, S.E.M., n = 3) and between assays (c.v. 5 to 14%, S.E.M., n = 4). The recovery of 1-34 hPTH added to individual test sera averaged 94%. The specificity of the method was established as follows: 1.) Other tested hormones, at 100 ng/ml, were ineffective; 2.) In the majority of peripheral sera from patients with hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands elevated bio-activity was detected; 3.) The circulating bio-activity fell rapidly after removal of parathyroid adenomata; 4.) Treatment with antisera for hPTH reduced the bio-activity; 5.) A PTH-antagonist inhibited the bio-activity.