Preparation of specific antisera to 15α-hydroxyestrogens

The synthesis of haptens of 15α-hydroxyestrone, 15α-hydroxyestradiol, and 15α-hydroxyestriol (estetrol) was undertaken, to obtain specific antisera required for enzyme immunoassay. 3-(1-Carboxypropyl) ethers of these 15α-hydroxyestrogens were prepared and conjugated with bovine serum albumin and horseradish peroxidase. The specificity of antisera elicited against bovine serum albumin conjugates was checked by the enzyme immunoassay by using horseradish peroxidase-labeled antigen, and proved to be satisfactory in terms of cross-reactivities to related compounds.