Quantitative analysis of mucins in mucosal secretions using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

摘要: Mucins are extremely large and highly O-glycosylated glycoproteins synthesized secreted by all wet-surfaced epithelia. Within the mucosal secretion they protect underlying epithelium forming a selective diffusion barrier against harmful substances microorganisms, act as lubricants to minimize shear stress. Variation in character quantity of mucins is important maintain normal function epithelia (e.g., reproductive tract) but it may also reflect disease states. Understanding role has been limited lack specific methods detect quantitate biological samples. Continuous progress development antibodies different mucin gene products allowed establishment immunological techniques perform these analyses. This chapter describes two protocols quantify individual from small-volume samples using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). These allow rapid, reproducible, sensitive for molecules.