Human AFP/Alpha-fetoprotein ELISA Kit PicoKine®

5 ng/tube

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP, ?-fetoprotein; also sometimes called alpha-1-fetoprotein, alpha-fetoglobulin, or alpha fetal protein) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the AFP gene. The AFP gene is located on the q arm of chromosome 4 (4q25). AFP is the most abundant plasma protein found in the human fetus. Plasma levels decrease rapidly after birth but begin decreasing prenatally starting at the end of the first trimester. Normal adult levels are usually achieved by the age of 8 to 12 months. The function of AFP in adult humans is unknown; however, in rodents it binds estradiol to prevent the transport of this hormone across the placenta to the fetus. The main function of this is to prevent the virilization of female fetuses. As human AFP does not bind estrogen, its function in humans is less clear.

Microplate Reader capable of reading absorbance at 450nm.
Incubator.
Automated plate washer (optional).
Pipettes and pipette tips capable of precisely dispensing 0.5 µl through 1 ml volumes of aqueous solutions.
Multichannel pipettes are recommended for large amount of samples.
Deionized or distilled water.
500ml graduated cylinders.
Test tubes for dilution.

Alpha-fetoprotein

Secreted.

Plasma. Synthesized by the fetal liver and yolk sac.