Iodination of insulin using N-dichloro-p-toluene sulphonamide(dichloramine-T) has been standardised. Dichloramine-T, a water insoluble derivative of chloramine-T showed excellent properties as an iodination reagent, for the preparation of radiolabeled insulin for use in radioimmunoassay. Iodination using dichloramine-T could be done at as low as 0.5-2 micrograms of the reagent, and at this concentration the molar ratio worked out to 1:3 to 1:12 (protein:dichloramine-T). Iodination yields of greater than 90% were obtained at pH 5-7. Evaluation of the iodinated tracer for suitability in radioimmunoassay was carried out by estimating radiochemical purity, immunological purity, non specific binding and stability on storage.
