The application of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to neuropeptides

Procedures are presented for routine evaluation of antibody specificity, titre, and quantitation of antigen levels in tissue extracts without the use of radiolabeled probes. A colorimetric, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is described for general use with neuropeptides, using neurotensin as a primary example. These assays use rabbit anti-neurotensin immune serum which is colorimetrically identified after combination with an alkaline phosphatase-conjugated, affinity purified, goat anti-rabbit IgG and reaction with the chromogenic substrate, p-nitrophenyl phosphate. Because the principle of these methods can be adapted for use with various proteins and neuropeptides, they should find widespread applicability in neurobiology.