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Epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) distribution in various biological fluids
J C Hendrick1, J Collette, S Claes
1Radioimmunoassay Laboratory, Institute of Pathology, Liège, Belgium.
European Journal of Cancer & Clinical Oncology
|October 1, 1988
Summary
This study analyzed epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) in human biological fluids using chromatography. Results showed various EMA molecular species, with similar detection levels across different sample types and patient groups.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) is a cell surface glycoprotein implicated in various physiological and pathological processes.
- Understanding the molecular distribution of EMA in different biological fluids is crucial for diagnostic and prognostic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the molecular species of EMA present in human breast cyst fluids, milks, and sera.
- To compare the detection of EMA using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies.
- To investigate potential differences in EMA molecular distribution between lactating women and women with adenocarcinoma.
Main Methods:
- Molecular sieving chromatography on Sepharose CL6B was employed to separate biological fluid components by size.
- Global protein content of eluted fractions was quantified using the Bradford method.
- Epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) levels were determined using two distinct Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) techniques with both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies.
Main Results:
- Various molecular species reacting with EMA were identified, with molecular weights ranging from 35 to 1500 kDa.
- The total amount of EMA detected was comparable when using either polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies.
- No significant differences in the molecular distribution of EMA were observed between sera from lactating women and women with adenocarcinoma.
Conclusions:
- Human biological fluids contain diverse molecular forms of EMA.
- Both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies provide similar quantitative assessments of EMA.
- The molecular distribution of EMA in serum does not significantly differ between healthy lactating individuals and those with adenocarcinoma, suggesting potential for broader diagnostic utility.