Benzodiazepines radioreceptor assays

Janssen, M.J., Ensing, K., de Zeeuw, R.A. Improved benzodiazepine radioreceptor assay using the Multiscreen assay system. 

Benzodiazepines are an important group of drugs with tranquilizing properties. Available immunochemical methods include radioimmunoassays (164, 165), a radioreceptor assay (166), and nonseparation immunoassays such as the widely used enzyme-monitored immunotest (EMIT) and fluorescent polarization immunoassays (167, 168). Such assays generally require sophisticated apparatus and dedicated laboratories. However, a relatively simple enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was recently described for screening benzodiazepines in urine (169). 

Nishikawa T, Suzuki S, Ohtani H, Eizawa NW, Sugiyama T, Kawaguchi T, Miura S. Benzodiazepine concentrations in sera determined by radioreceptor assay for therapeutic-dose recipients. Am J Clin Pathol 1994 102(5) 605-10. 

L Nordholm, et al. Determination of an oxidiazole substituted 1,4-benzodiazepine in plasma by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection and by a radioreceptor assay. J Chromatogr-Bio 494 257, 1989. 

Radioreceptor assays have also been devised to measure blood levels of neuroleptics, p-receptor antagonists, and benzodiazepines. The development of these assays has an important clinical application since proper monitoring of blood levels is vital for maximizing therapeutic response, while minimizing toxicity. 

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