AssayPro—Human Fibrinogen ELIS

Introduction
Fibrinogen (FBG) is a homodimer of molecular mass 340 kDa, made up of two sets of α, β, γ polypeptide chains and synthesized in the parenchymal cell of the hepatocyte and in the megakaryocyte (1). FBG plays a major role in coagulation and both elevated and decreased levels have clinical significance. Upon cleavage by thrombin in the initial stages of coagulation activation, FBG self-assembles to yield a fibrin clot matrix that subsequently is cross-linked by factor XIIIa to form an insoluble network. FBG also binds to the platelet glycoprotein IIbIIIa receptor to form bridges between platelets, thus facilitating aggregation (2). Elevated plasma FBG has been identified as an independent risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease (3 - 4). Individuals with congenital absence of FBG, termed afibrinogenemia, have prolonged bleeding times.

Principle of the Assay
The AssayMax Human Fibrinogen ELISA kit is designed for detection of human FBG in cell culture media, saliva, milk, and urine samples. This assay employs a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique that measures human FBG in less than 4 hours. A polyclonal antibody specific for human FBG has been pre-coated onto a 96-well microplate with removable strips. FBG in standards and samples is sandwiched by the immobilized polyclonal antibody and biotinylated polyclonal antibody specific for human FBG, which is recognized by a streptavidin-peroxidase conjugate. All unbound material is then washed away and a peroxidase enzyme substrate is added. The color development is stopped and the intensity of the color is measured.