Characterisation of monoclonal antibodies to human factor X/Xa. Initial observations with a quantitative ELISA procedure.

Monoclonal antibodies to human plasma factor X (FX) and factor Xa (FXa) have been developed using several modifications of previously described techniques. These include the use of footpad immunisation with a suspension of free and nitrocellulose-bound antigen with subsequent fusion of popliteal lymph node cells. From a panel of 17 reactive hybridomas to FX, 3 were selected for further characterisation. An additional hybridoma reactive to FXa but not FX was also selected. Two monoclonal antibodies designated FX52 and FX64 were specific for FX with no reactivity to FXa, while antibody FXa24 was specific for FXa. Another FX/FXa95 reacted with both FX and FXa. All selected antibodies were of the IgG isotype and reacted both with native antigen and antigen transferred to nitrocellulose by Western blotting. Initial observations suggest that Mab FX52 may be used to quantitate FX levels in plasma.

Radioimmunoassay for the detection of active-site specific thrombin inhibitors in biological fluids. I. Assay characteristics and quantitation of recombinant hirudin.

A sensitive radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the quantitation of recombinant (r) hirudin in biological fluids is described. Taking advantage of the highly specific hirudin-thrombin interaction, a monoclonal antibody to human alpha-thrombin was used to capture hirudin-thrombin complexes in a competitive binding assay. Quantitation of r.hirudin in buffer, plasma or urine at concentrations ranging from 0.17 to 20 ng/ml (1.7 x 10(-3) to 2 x 10(-2) antithrombin units/ml) was achieved. In the absence of competing unlabelled r.hirudin the assay also measured alpha-thrombin (from 2 x 10(-4) to 1 x 10(-2) NIH units/ml) in citrated or defibrinated human plasma. A series of peptides corresponding to the carboxyl-terminal region of hirudin and with varying anticoagulant activities did not displace 125I-r.hirudin in the RIA described, confirming published data that these hirudin fragments bind to a site distant to the catalytic site of thrombin. The assay was used to test hirudin clearance after bolus i.v. injections of 0.1 mg r.hirudin [Val1-Val2] into human volunteers. The plasma concentrations and elimination kinetics of r.hirudin were in good agreement with published data and a close correlation between hirudin plasma concentration and prolonged clotting time was observed.