Egg yolk as a source of antibodies for human parathyroid hormone (hPTH) radioimmunoassay.

Chickens were immunized with synthetic hPTH peptides 1-34 and 53-84. Serum from the best responder of each group was compared with IgG obtained from yolk of eggs layed by the same chicken, showing similar properties. A simple method for purification of IgG from yolk is described, allowing the obtaining of substantial amounts of anti-hPTH IgG without the need for bleeding the animals. We conclude that: 1) egg from chickens immunized with synthetic hPTH peptides are a convenient source of antibodies against these peptides; 2) this principle should apply to any other antigen to which chickens are good responders.