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New growth hormone assays: potential benefits
1Department of Medicine, Innenstadt University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992). Supplement
|December 24, 1997
Summary
New assays measure bioactive growth hormone (GH), unlike traditional radioimmunoassays (RIAs). The eluted stain assay (ESTA) and immunofunctional assay (IFA) offer more accurate GH measurements for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
- Assay Development
Background:
- Conventional radioimmunoassays (RIAs) measure growth hormone (GH) immunoactivity, not bioactivity.
- Accurate measurement of bioactive GH is crucial for understanding its physiological roles and clinical implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and describe three novel assays for measuring growth hormone (GH).
- To evaluate the potential of these new assays to replace conventional methods for GH determination.
Main Methods:
- Eluted stain assay (ESTA): A variant of the Nb2 bioassay adapted for specific GH measurement in serum.
- Immunofunctional assay (IFA): Utilizes a binding-site-specific antibody and GH-binding protein (GHBP) to quantify functional GH molecules.
- 22 kDa exclusion assay (22 k GHEA): Designed to measure different GH isoforms in circulation.
Main Results:
- ESTA offers a lower detection limit and high-throughput capacity for GH quantification.
- IFA measures GH bioactivity, is convenient for routine use, and reflects GH signal transduction.
- 22 k GHEA provides a means to study GH isoforms, though clinical utility is yet to be established.
Conclusions:
- ESTA and IFA more accurately reflect biologically active GH proportions compared to RIAs.
- These novel assays have the potential to become the standard reference methods for GH measurement.
- Further development and commercial availability of ESTA and IFA will enhance GH analysis.