Description
Background/Introduction: Ceruloplasmin is a copper containing protein found primarily in the blood. It carries approximately 70% of the total copper present in the blood. Ceruloplasmin exhibits a weak oxidase activity, which is a more accurate method of assessing ceruloplasmin in serum than immunodiffusion or other non-enzymatic assays. Normal Ceruloplasmin levels are generally 1-4 uM (15-60 mg/dl), equivalent to approximately 50-150 mU/ml. Elevated amounts of serum ceruloplasmin are found in pregnancy, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and in several mental conditions such as Alzheimer's, schizophrenia and OCD. Abnormally low amounts are found in Wilson's and Menkes' Diseases and in several other rare conditions. The assay is initiated with the enzymatic catalysis of the TMB by CP. The enzyme catalysed reaction products can be measured at a colorimetric readout at 645 nm