Introduction Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a potent cytokine with a myriad of innate immune anti-tumor properties. TNF-alpha has a critical role in the bone and cartilage damage associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)[1]. TNF-alpha may be involved in the pathogenesis and/or progression of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) [2]. TNF-alpha is expressed in myocardium during compensated pressure-overload hypertrophy and contributes to postischemic myocardial dysfunction [3]. The serum levels of TNF-alpha were also significantly elevated in active WG (Wegener's granulomatosis) [4], in the late stages of HIV-associated disease [5], and in the spinal cord of arthritic patients [6].
Principal of the Assay The AssayMax Mouse TNF-alpha ELISA kit is designed for detection of TNF-alpha in mouse plasma, serum or cell culture supernatants. This assay employs a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique that measures TNF-alpha in less than 5 hours. A polyclonal antibody specific for mouse TNF-alpha has been pre-coated onto a microplate. TNF-alpha in standards and samples is sandwiched by the immobilized antibody and a biotinylated polyclonal antibody specific for mouse TNF-alpha, 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.