Solution reagent kit 6107305

diagnosticprolactin

Human prolactin (lactogenic hormone) is secreted from the anterior pituitary gland in both men and woman. Human prolactin is a single chain polypeptide hormone with a molecular weight of approximately 23,000 daltons. The release and synthesis of prolactin is under neuroendocrinal control, primarily through Prolactin Releasing Factor and Prolactin Inhibiting Factor. Women normally have slightly higher basal prolactin levels than men; apparently, there is an estrogen-related rise at puberty and a corresponding decrease at menopause. The primary functions of prolactin are to initiate breast development and to maintain lactation. Prolactin also suppresses gonadal function. During pregnancy, prolactin levels increase progressively to between 10 to 20 times normal values, declining to non-pregnant levels by 3-4 weeks post-partum. Breast-feeding mothers maintain high levels of prolactin, and it may take several months for serum concentrations to return to non-pregnant levels. PRINCIPLE OF THE TEST The Prolactin Quantitative Test is based on a solid phase enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The assay system utilizes a mouse monoclonal anti-prolactin antibody for solid phase (microtiter wells) immobilization and another mouse monoclonal anti-prolactin antibody in the antibody-enzyme (horseradish peroxidase) conjugate solution. The test sample is allowed to react simultaneously with the antibodies, resulting in the prolactin molecules being sandwiched between the solid phase and enzyme-linked antibodies. After a 45minute incubation at room temperature, the wells are washed with water to remove unbound-labeled antibodies.