An indirect enzymoimmunological assay for hyaluronidase.

The use of a hyaluronic acid-binding proteoglycan (hyaluronectin) as a probe for the detection of hyaluronic acid has facilitated the development of an indirect enzymo-immunological assay for hyaluronidase. Plastic microtest ELISA plates were coated with hyaluronic acid. Incubation with hyaluronidase led to the destruction of insolubilized hyaluronic acid in proportion to the hyaluronidase concentration of samples. Residual hyaluronic acid was assayed by its capacity to bind immune complexes made up of hyaluronectin supplemented with alkaline phosphatase-conjugated anti-hyaluronectin antibodies. The technique was very sensitive and permitted the detection of as little as 10(-10) NFU of bovine testicular hyaluronidase. Hyaluronidase was detected by this technique in human sera, bee venom and culture medium of human hepatoma cell lines.