Mouse Alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (A-MSH) ELISA Kit

Detection Method:Sandwich
Test principle:This assay employs a two-site sandwich ELISA to quantitate A-MSH in samples. An antibody specific for A-MSH has been pre-coated onto a microplate. Standards and samples are pipetted into the wells and anyA-MSH present is bound by the immobilized antibody. After removing any unbound substances, a biotin-conjugated antibody specific for A-MSH is added to the wells. After washing, Streptavidin conjugated Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP) is added to the wells. Following a wash to remove any unbound avidin-enzyme reagent, a substrate solution is added to the wells and color develops in proportion to the amount of A-MSH bound in the initial step. The color development is stopped and the intensity of the color is measured.
Product Overview:Melanocyte-stimulating hormone belongs to a group called the melanocortins. This group includes ACTH, alpha-MSH, beta-MSH and gamma-MSH; these peptides are all cleavage products of a large precursor peptide called pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). Alpha-MSH is the most important melanocortin for pigmentation.Alpha-MSH could be a potent biological marker for the diagnosis of CFS. Despite extensive research, no reliable biological marker for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has yet been identified. However, hyperactivation of melanotrophs in the pituitary gland and increased levels of plasma alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) have recently been detected in an animal model of chronic stress. Because CFS is considered to be caused partly by chronic stress events, increased alpha-MSH plasma levels may also occur in CFS patients.