[125I]amatoxin and anti-amatoxin for radioimmunoassay prepared by a novel approach: chemical and structural considerations.

A novel approach for the production of [125I]amatoxin and anti-amanitin is described. The antigen and the starting material for Bolton Hunter iodination is prepared by periodic acid oxidation of the gamma-delta-dihydroxy-isoleucine side chain of alpha-amanitin followed by reductive amination. The antigen seems to be of low apparent toxicity. Chemical, spectroscopic and immunological evidence suggests that the hapten has a secondary structure similar to alpha-amanitin, but a modified tryptophanyl ring system. The establishment of a clinically useful iodinated radioimmunoassay system is possible, because the ring system seems to be of limited immunological importance.