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High molecular weight glucagon-like immunoreactivity in plasma
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|February 1, 1975
Summary
An interference factor in human plasma can falsely elevate pancreatic glucagon measurements. Researchers developed a correction method and identified a high molecular weight factor, aiding accurate glucagon level determination.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Radioimmunoassay (RIA) for pancreatic glucagon can be subject to interference from plasma factors.
- An "interference factor" causes artifactual elevation of glucagon values determined by conventional RIA using antiserum 30K.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for correcting artifactual glucagon measurements caused by the interference factor.
- To measure and compare glucagon levels in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects using the corrected method.
- To characterize the nature and molecular weight of the interference factor.
Main Methods:
- Development of a correction method for artifactual glucagon elevation.
- Measurement of plasma glucagon levels in 60 diabetic and 30 non-diabetic subjects.
- Characterization of the interference factor using G-200 sephadex column chromatography.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in corrected glucagon levels was found between diabetic and non-diabetic groups.
- Twelve percent of diabetic subjects showed plasma glucagon binding, preventing valid measurement.
- The interference factor exhibited glucagon-like immunoreactivity with an approximate molecular weight of 160,000.
Conclusions:
- A method was developed to correct for plasma interference in glucagon radioimmunoassays.
- The interference factor is a high molecular weight substance, not an artifact of charcoal treatment.
- Further research is needed to identify the origin of this interference factor.