Invitrogen™ Serotonin Competitive ELISA Kit

The Invitrogen™ Serotonin Competitive ELISA Kit is a high-sensitivity, research-use-only kit designed for the quantitative measurement of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) levels in biological samples such as serum, plasma, and other fluids. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and biochemical messenger involved in numerous physiological and neurological processes. This competitive ELISA is ideal for studying serotonin’s role in disorders related to mood, behavior, and gastrointestinal function.

Key Features:

1. High Sensitivity and Precision:
   • Analytical Sensitivity: 9.38 ng/mL
   • Assay Range: 15.63–1000 ng/mL
   • Intra- and Inter-Assay CV: Both <10%, ensuring reliable reproducibility.
2. Versatile Sample Compatibility:
   • Suitable for plasma and serum samples.
   • Sample volume: 50 µL per well.
3. Optimized Workflow:
   • Hands-on Time: 1 hour 20 minutes.
   • Total Time-to-Result: 3 hours 30 minutes.
   • Competitive ELISA Format: Includes pre-coated plates, standards, detection antibody, HRP conjugate, and substrate for ease of use.
4. Robust Detection:
   • Instrument Compatibility: Requires a colorimetric microplate reader for OD measurement.
   • Label: HRP conjugate ensures strong and reliable signal.
5. Comprehensive Kit Components:
   • Pre-coated 96-well plate.
   • Standard for generating a calibration curve.
   • Biotinylated detection antibody.
   • HRP conjugate.
   • Sample and reagent diluents.
   • Wash buffer, TMB substrate, and stop solution.
   • Plate sealer.
6. Storage and Shipping:
   • Shipped on wet ice for stability.
   • Refer to product documentation for specific storage conditions for each component.

Principle of the Method:

This competitive ELISA kit quantitatively measures serotonin levels using the following steps:

1. Sample Binding: Standards or samples are added to the wells of a microplate pre-coated with anti-serotonin antibodies.
2. Competitive Reaction: A biotinylated serotonin-specific detection antibody is added, competing with sample serotonin for binding sites.
3. Signal Development: Avidin-HRP conjugate is added to amplify the signal, followed by a TMB substrate solution to produce color.
4. Quantification: The reaction is stopped, and the color intensity is measured using a microplate reader. Sample serotonin concentrations are calculated by comparison to a user-generated standard curve.

Applications:

1. Neurological and Psychiatric Research:
   • Measure serotonin levels to understand its role in mood disorders, depression, and schizophrenia.
   • Study serotonin’s involvement in neurochemical signaling in the central nervous system.
2. Gastrointestinal Studies:
   • Investigate the role of serotonin in regulating gastric motility and gut-brain signaling pathways.
3. Pharmacological Studies:
   • Assess the impact of serotonin-targeting drugs (e.g., SSRIs) in preclinical studies.
   • Screen for potential therapies targeting serotonin receptors or synthesis pathways.
4. Platelet Function and Hemostasis:
   • Explore serotonin storage and release mechanisms in platelets and its role in clot formation.
5. Endocrinology and Metabolism:
   • Study serotonin’s regulatory functions in peripheral tissues, including metabolic and hormonal pathways.
6. Basic Research:
   • Evaluate serotonin’s contribution to cellular communication, tissue homeostasis, and systemic physiological responses.

Biological Context:

Serotonin (5-HT) is synthesized from L-tryptophan and plays critical roles in:

• Central Nervous System: Modulates mood, sleep, and behavior.
• Peripheral Tissues: Regulates gastrointestinal motility, vascular tone, and platelet aggregation.
• Psychiatric Disorders: Associated with conditions like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Linked to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other GI motility disorders.

Advantages of the Invitrogen™ Serotonin Competitive ELISA Kit:

• High Sensitivity: Detects low serotonin levels in small sample volumes.
• User-Friendly: Includes pre-coated plates and ready-to-use reagents for a streamlined workflow.
• Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of biological samples and applications.
• Reproducibility: Validated for consistent and reliable performance across multiple lots.

The Invitrogen™ Serotonin Competitive ELISA Kit is an indispensable tool for researchers investigating serotonin’s pivotal roles in health and disease.