Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) is the major eicosanoid released from stimulated mast cells. PGD2 is an unstable compound which is rapidly metabolized and eliminated from the circulation. This makes quantitation of PGD2 an unreliable indicator of its in vivo production. 11β-PGF2α is the primary plasma metabolite of PGD2 in vivo, the levels of which can increase from 6 pg/ml in a normal healthy volunteer to 490 ng/ml in patients with systemic mastocytosis.1 The normal human urinary excretion of 11β-PGF2α is about 11 ng/mmol creatinine (~400 ng/24 hr), which is increased nearly 3-fold upon allergen-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatics.2,3 Unlike most prostaglandin metabolites, 11β-PGF2α retains potent biological activity. 11-β-PGF2α is equipotent to PGF2α in inducing human bronchial smooth muscle contractions and inhibition of adipose differentiation.4,5 11β-PGF2α was also shown to inhibit ADP or thrombin-induced human platelet aggregation at concentrations of 0.14 to 2.8 µM. 6 The Cayman 11β-PGF2α Assay is a competitive assay that provides accurate measurements of 11β-PGF2α within the range of 1.6-1,000 pg/ml. Inter and intra-assay CV’s of less than 15% can be achieved at most concentrations. This assay allows sensitive detection of 11β-PGF2α in the most common sample matrix, which is urine. For plasma and other complex sample matrices, we recommend purification of the sample prior to analysis; a purification protocol is included in the kit booklet. Measurements of 11β-PGF2α in urine using our ELISA gives values in the same range, but slightly higher than those obtained by GC-MS. This appears to be due to measurement of 11β-PGF2α plus the 2,3-dinor metabolite of 11β-PGF2α.2Needed but not supplied: Please download the kit booklet to verify if UltraPure Water (Milli-Q or equivalent) or any other components are needed for this assay.WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.
