ELISAs for the quantitative measurement of Catecholamines in plasma, urine and various biological samples

Epinephrine (Adrenaline), Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline) together with Dopamine constitute the group of catecholamines, which play an important role as hormones and neurotransmitters.
After they have exerted their effects, the catecholamines are broken down via intermediate products (Metanephrine, Normetanephrine, 3-Methoxytyramin respectively) and finally excreted in urine.
Diseases which are associated with altered levels of catecholamines include hypertonia, degenerative heart diseases, and catecholamine-producing tumors (pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroma). Of these, pheochromocytoma has the greatest significance. Around 10% of all pheochromocytomas show malignant growth and an unidentified pheochromocytoma poses a serious health risk to the patient.
The determination of catecholamines is therefore essential in patients with suspected pheochromocytoma.

Principle of these assays:
All three catecholamines are extracted in one run from the plasma or urine samples using an extraction plate which is coated with a cis-diolspecific affinity gel. After this very effective and efficient extraction procedure the catecholamines are modified and enzymatically converted into their corresponding N-Acyl-derivatives. For the quantification of these N-Acyl-derivatives the ELISA method is available.

The assays show the following common features:

• Speed and ease of use
• for in-vitro diagnostic and research applications
• elegant and efficient extraction method
• excellent sensitivity and specificity
• wide standard ranges
• the ELISA part of the assays is automatable
• freedom from drug interferences
• single and multi parameter kits available