Experience with an enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay for the quantitation of urinary desmosine

An enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay has been set up for the quantitation of the elastin crosslink desmosine. With the assay desmosine could be detected in the range 0.01-10 ng (the amount is corresponding to 0.4-400 ng/ml) in standard solutions. One hundred percent crossreactivity with isodesmosine was found. The low titer rabbit antiserum used in this inhibition immunoassay was less suitable for the measurement of desmosine in urinary hydrolysates, because a number of unknown urinary substances interfered with the measurement. Interfering substances could not be removed completely with a column purification method. Future research is needed to determine the applicability of the higher titer anti-desmosine antiserum from a second rabbit.