| Field | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mfr No | |
| Alternative Names | A-MSH; α-MSH; Intermedins; Alpha-Melanotropin, Alpha-Melanocortin; Alpha-Intermedin |
| Assay Time | |
| Assay Type | |
| Detection Method | |
| Product Type | |
| Reactivity | |
| Sample Type(s) | Cell culture supernatants, Serum, Plasma, Other biological fluids |
| Shipping | |
| Storage |
Features & Benefits
Human Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (A-MSH) ELISA Kit has high sensitivity and excellent specificity for detection of Human A-MSH. No significant cross-reactivity or interference between Human A-MSH and analogues was observed.
Background
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.
This Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (A-MSH) ELISA kit is validated for use with Cell culture supernatants, Serum, Plasma, Other biological fluids. Samples should be collected, processed, and stored correctly to preserve analyte integrity — avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and centrifuge to remove particulates before use. Dilute samples exceeding the kit's detection range using the supplied assay diluent. Hemolytic, icteric, or lipemic samples may affect assay performance and should be tested with caution.
This is a sandwich ELISA kit employing an HRP (horseradish peroxidase)-conjugated secondary antibody paired with a TMB (3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine) colorimetric substrate. In the sandwich format, the target analyte Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (A-MSH) captured on the microplate surface is detected by the conjugated antibody, generating a colorimetric signal proportional to analyte concentration. The reaction is stopped and absorbance measured at 450 nm on a standard microplate reader.
The complete protocol, from sample addition to final plate reading, requires approximately 3–5 hours. This includes two incubation periods (analyte binding and detection antibody steps), intermediate wash cycles to remove unbound material, 15–30 minutes of TMB substrate development, and final stop-solution addition before absorbance reading. Exact timing will vary with experience level and the number of samples processed in parallel.
Required equipment: (1) a microplate spectrophotometer capable of reading absorbance at 450 nm (reference wavelength 540–570 nm recommended for background correction); (2) precision single-channel or multichannel pipettes; (3) a plate washer or multichannel aspirator; (4) a microcentrifuge for sample clarification; and (5) a 37°C incubator or stable room-temperature environment. No fluorescence or luminescence reader is required — standard colorimetric plate readers are fully compatible with this kit.
This ELISA kit is formally validated for Human. Cross-reactivity with species not listed in the specification has not been independently characterized. Variability in protein sequence homology across species means that performance in unlisted species cannot be guaranteed without additional validation. For cross-species detection requirements or non-standard sample matrices, please contact BioHippo support or refer to the manufacturer's technical team for guidance.
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