An enzyme immunoassay for the measurement of human monoamine oxidase B protein.

A heterologous, competitive, solid phase ELISA has been developed which can measure monoamine oxidase (MAO) B concentration (both inactive and active) in human platelets and other tissue extracts. The assay is based on competition between a soluble form of MAO and MAO bound to a solid phase for binding to a limiting amount of a MAO B-specific monoclonal antibody, 3F12/G10. It utilises a crude and easily prepared sample of human liver mitochondrial membranes as the source of solid phase MAO. Optimal assay conditions allow detection of MAO B down to at least 0.5 ng (4.18 fmol; 6.25 ng/ml) of protein. As the assay is sensitive and simple to operate, it will allow a systematic assessment of the role of platelet MAO concentrations in the aetiology of psychiatric and neurologic conditions.