Radioimmunoassay of pharmacologically active compounds: applications to nicotine and its metabolites

Since nicotine is the major tobacco alkaloid, its role in cardiovascular disease, cancer and other physiological effects of cigarette smoking has been the subject of intensive investigation for many years. As part of this investigation into the biochemical and physiological effects of nicotine, the authors developed sensitive and specific radioimmunoassays for the parent alkaloid, a major metabolite cotinine, and for γ-(3-pyridyl)-γ-oxo-N-methylbutyramide (oxoamide). The oxoamide is a minor metabolite derived from cotinine. The authors describe the development of these RIA's and demonstrate their use in determining levels of these compounds in physiological fluids of smokers and in studying metabolic processes in vitro. (Auth.)