[Enzymo-immunological estimations. Principles and applications (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Radio-immunoassay (RIA) is a common method for quantitative analysis.
• Enzymo-immunological assays utilize enzyme labels as alternatives to radioactive isotopes.
• The EMIT system represents a unique enzymo-immunological technique.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the principles and challenges of enzymo-immunological estimation techniques.
• To compare the performance of different enzymo-immunological reactions for alpha-fetoprotein estimation.
• To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of enzymo-immunological methods compared to RIA.

Main Methods:

• Enzymatic labeling of antigens or antibodies, replacing isotopic labels.
• Measurement of enzyme activity through substrate addition and reaction.
• Utilizing the EMIT system to measure changes in hapten-conjugated enzyme activity.

Main Results:

• Enzymo-immunological reactions for alpha-fetoprotein estimation showed comparable performances across different methods.
• The EMIT system offers a distinct approach by measuring enzyme activity modulation by antibodies.
• Key advantages include reagent stability and avoidance of isotope-related administrative burdens.

Conclusions:

• Enzymo-immunological techniques are viable alternatives to radio-immunoassays.
• Reagent stability and simplified administration are significant benefits.
• These methods present a practical approach for various immunoassays.