Sensitive enzyme immunoassay for human Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase.

A highly sensitive enzyme immunoassay method for measurement of human Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) was established. Antisera were raised in rabbits by injecting SOD purified from human erythrocytes, and antibodies to SOD were purified by the use of Cu/Zn SOD-coupled Sepharose 4B. The assay system consisted of polystyrene balls with immobilized monospecific antibody F(ab')2 fragments and the same antibody Fab' fragments labeled with beta-D-galactosidase from Escherichia coli. The assay was highly sensitive, and the minimum detection limit was 3 pg or 0.1 fmol/assay tube. Serum Cu/Zn SOD levels of normal healthy subjects (36.3 +/- 15.6, n = 120, 16-64 years old) were not related to age and sex. It was confirmed that Cu/Zn SOD levels in erythrocytes and blood plasma were significantly enhanced in patients with Down syndrome. Immunoreactive Cu/Zn SOD was detectable in all the tissues examined and was present at high concentrations in brain, adrenal gland, liver, heart and kidney.