A Radioimmunoassay was developed for the individual measurement of ajmalicine and
serpentine in plant extracts. Each RIA was assessed for its sensitivity, specificity
and accuracy. The preparation of antigens and antibodies specific for these alkaloids
as well as the radiochemical preparation of ajmalicine–3H and serpentine–3H with high specific activities is described. The RIA method allowed the detection
of 0.27 pmol (0.1 ng) ajmalicine and 1.4 pmol (0.5 ng) serpentine and has been successfully
applied in the selection of individual plants with higher than average contents of
these alkaloids for breeding and tissue culture purposes.
Catharanthus roseus - Apocynaçeae - Radioimmunoassay - Indole Alkaloids - Distribution
of Alkaloids - Screening Techniques
