Oligosaccharides as immunodeterminants of erythropoietin for two sets of anti-carbohydrate antibodies.

Antibodies directed against recombinant erythropoietin have been obtained by immunization of rabbits with the hormone in Freund's complete adjuvant. Two sets of antibodies are present in the serum of the immunized rabbits. The results of oxidation of the erythropoietin with periodate, inhibition of the antibodies with the structural monosaccharide residues of the hormone, and reaction of the antibodies with lectins of known carbohydrate specificity have established the antibodies to be anti-carbohydrate antibodies. These antibodies may be of value as tracking agents for some diseases and should be useful for detecting abuses of the hormone in enhancing performance in athletic competitions.