Radioimmunoassay for 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine (reverse T3, R-T3) in unextracted human serum

Highly specific antibodies against 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine (reverse T3, R-T3) have been produced in rabbits. The crossreaction with T4 is about 0.05%. A radioimmunoassay for R-T3 in unextracted serum was developed. ANS is used for blocking the binding of tracer and endogenous R-T3 to TBG. The sensitivity to the assay is 0.06 ng/ml plasma. The mean normal R-T3 concentration is 0.20 ng/ml. Thyrotoxic patients show elevated levels; in most hypothyroid patients R-T3 concentrations are below the detection limit.