Radioimmunoassay of prostaglandins and other cyclooxygenase products of arachidonate metabolism

Radioimmunoassay has been the most widely used method for quantitative determination of PG and related compounds in biologic material. The method is technically simple, permits the analysis of a great number of samples per day, is generally sensitive and precise, and can be adapted to the measurement of eicosanoids in various experimental and clinical materials. However, highly variable results may be obtained if validation criteria are not considered. Future developments in this rapidly growing field will include validation of immunoassay methods, attempt to improve the reproducibility of immunoassay results, e.g., by the use of monoclonal antibodies, and the replacement of radioactive by non-radioactive tracers such as chemiluminescence and enzyme labels