Monoclonal Antibodies with High Affinity for Spiroperidol

Abstract: A diverse panel of monoclonal antibodies was obtained from BALB/c mice immunized with two haptens structurally related to spiroperidol (SPD). Bromoacetyl derivatives of aminospiroperidol (NH₂SPD) and N‐amino‐phenethylspiroperidol (NAPS) were synthesized to couple the haptens covalently to a protein carrier for immunization, thereby maintaining the butyrophenone portion of the immunogen. Hybridomas were selected based on their ability to secrete antibody that binds [³H]SPD with high affinity. Equilibrium dissociation constants for these antibodies ranged from 0.2 to > 100 nM. The antigen binding sites of the anti‐NH₂SPD and anti‐NAPS antibodies were characterized in studies of the inhibition of the binding of [³H]‐SPD by a series of ligands that are either (a) structurally related to SPD or (b) structurally unrelated to the butyrophenones but known to be selective antagonists of the D2 subtype of dopamine receptor. Based on the patterns of inhibition of the binding of [³H]SPD by these compounds, 12 classes of antibody combining sites were identified. Most of these antibodies bound butyrophenones with high affinity. One anti‐NH₂SPD and four anti‐NAPS antibodies also bound domperidone, a nonbutyrophenone that has a high affinity for D2 receptors. None of the antibodies bound clebopride or sulpiride, D2‐selective antagonists of the benzamide class, or the agonist dopamine.