Description
Principle of the assay: This assay employs the competitive inhibition enzyme immunoassay technique. An antibody specific for COR has been pre-coated onto a microplate. Standards or samples and a biotin - conjugated antibody specific for COR are pipetted into the wells. A competitive inhibition reaction is launched between COR (Standards or samples) and biotin-conjugated COR with the pre-coated antibody specific for COR. After washing, streptavidin conjugated Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP) is added to the wells. Following a wash to remove any unbound avidin-enzyme reagent, a substrate solution is added to the wells and color develops in proportion to the amount of COR bound in the initial step. The color development is stopped and the intensity of the color is measured.
Background: Cortisol is a steroid hormone, more specifically a glucocorticoid, which is produced by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex. It is released in response to stress and a low level of blood glucose. Its functions are to increase blood sugar through gluconeogenesis, to suppress the immune system, and to aid the metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrate. It also decreases bone formation. Hydrocortisone (INN, USAN, BAN) is a name for cortisol when it is used as a medication. Hydrocortisone is used to treat people who lack adequate naturally generated cortisol. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines needed in a basic health system