Understanding cytokine interactions

28 Jul 2008
Greg Smith
Analyst / Analytical Chemist

Evidence, the revolutionary new biochip system now available, measures 12 analytes simultaneously human samples, with a sample throughput of 1296. This enables a snapshot of these cytokines in action, enabling elucidation of complex interactions.

To define the influence of the immune response in a multitude of human conditions, Randox offer several comprehensive panels with 35 cytokines and growth factors, over 5 multi-analyte arrays.

Cytokines are soluble signalling proteins and glycoproteins employed in cellular communication during immune and inflammatory responses. They have been implicated in pathological conditions, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, allergic response and play a significant role in surgery recovery, including transplants.

Each cytokine assay is performed on a 9mm² activated biochip with spatially discrete test regions containing antibodies specific to each of the analytes. The combination of highly specific antibodies and advanced chemistries enables up to 12 cytokines and growth factors to be detected simultaneously in a single, 100µl serum or plasma samples, providing valuable information of each cytokine and associations between cytokines.

Cytokines are characterised by considerable redundancy, so measuring a single cytokine may miss an important facet of a response progression. In addition, the common cascading of cytokines can more readily be observed if a suite of these proteins is measured simultaneously, leading to a greater understanding of the disease process and subsequent management; this has become important in laboratory medicine.

Quality control is an important aspect in all multiplex testing, so Randox offer Quality Control materials to complement their cytokine panels. With a rapidly increasing portfolio of multiplex assays, Randox will have a test panel to suit your needs.

Links

Tags