Insulin ELISA kit

Enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) for the determination of Insulin in serum and plasma. FDA exempt, can be used for in-vitro diagnostics.

Insulin is the principal hormone responsible for the control of glucose metabolism. It is synthesized in the β-cells of the islets of Langerhans as the precursor, proinsulin, which is processed to form C-peptide and insulin. Both are secreted in equimolar amounts into the portal circulation. The mature insulin molecule comprises two polypeptide chains, the A chain and B chain (21 and 30 amino acids respectively). The two chains are linked together by two inter-chain disulfide bridges. There is also an intra-chain disulfide bridge in the A chain.

Secretion of insulin is mainly controlled by plasma glucose concentration, and the hormone has a number of important metabolic actions. Its principal function is to control the uptake and utilization of glucose in peripheral tissues via the glucose transporter. This and other hypoglycemic activities, such as the inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis are counteracted by the hyperglycemic hormones including glucagon, epinephrine (adrenaline), growth hormone and cortisol. Insulin concentrations are severely reduced in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and some other conditions such as hypopituitarism. Insulin levels are raised in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), obesity, insulinoma and some endocrine dysfunctions such as Cushing’s syndrome and acromegaly.