Active mouse plasmin ELISA assay

Plasmin is a serine protease that is released as the zymogen plasminogen into the circulation system and is activated by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), thrombin and fibrin. Once activated, this enzyme degrades proteins found in blood plasma, primarily fibrin clots. Active plasmin in blood is rapidly inactivated by forming a covalent complex with alpha 2-antiplasmin. Decreased levels of plasmin may lead to thrombosis due to a reduced ability to dissolve clots.

Functionally active plasmin in samples will bind to biotinylated active site inhibitor peptide in solution in the reaction plate. Only free, active enzyme will be inhibited, not plasminogen or complexed plasmin. The inhibited plasmin will bind to capture antibody coated on the immunoassay plate. After washing, an avidin-HRP conjugate is reacted to the biotin labeled inhibited plasmin. TMB substrate is applied and is converted by HRP and can be quantified at 450 nm.