Description
An enzyme immunoassay for the quantitative measurement of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in serum and plasma.
Sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a _-globulin that specifically binds steroid hormones. Its molecular weight is 86 kDa/mol. The major site of SHBG synthesis is thought to
be the hepatocytes. Its production is regulated by androgen/estrogen balance, thyroid hormones, insulin and dietary factors, among others. SHBG is involved in the transport of sex steroids in plasma. Its concentration is a major factor regulating their distribution between protein-bound and free states. Determination of SHBG concentration is mainly of importance in the evaluation of mild disorders of androgen metabolism and it allows identification of women with hirsutism who are likely to respond to estrogen therapy. Testosterone/SHBG-ratios correlate well with both measured and calculated values for free testosterone, and help to discriminate between subjects with excessive androgen activity and normal individuals.
The DRG SHBG ELISA Kit is a solid phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on the sandwich principle. The microtiter wells are coated with a monoclonal [mouse] antibody directed towards a unique antigenic site of the SHBG molecule. An aliquot of patient sample containing endogenous SHBG is incubated in the coated well. After a washing step, enzyme conjugate is added, which is a monoclonal anti-SHBG antibody conjugated with horseradish peroxidase. After incubation the unbound conjugate is washed off. The amount of bound peroxidase is proportional to the concentration of SHBG in the sample. Having added the substrate solution, the intensity of colour developed is proportional to the concentration of SHBG in the patient sample.
