Bovine thyroglobulin is a large, tetrameric glycoprotein produced in the thyroid gland as a precursor to thyroid hormones. Its large size and absence from plasma under normal conditions makes it very immunogenic and reduces the chance that antibodies to this carrier protein will cross-react with plasma proteins in immunoassays. Haptens may be conjugated to thyroglobulin via accessible secondary amines.
Iodine-containing protein that is stored in the thyroid gland. Converted into circulating thyroxines when the thyroid is stimulated by TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) from the pituitary. Often used as a carrier protein for the production of antibodies. Its advantage as a carrier protein comes from its large number of tyrosine residues that can be used for conjugation using the diazo reaction.