Procalcitonin (PCT) and Calcitonin (CT) Antibodies for Assay Development

Overview

Procalcitonin (PCT) is a small protein that is synthesized by the C-cells in thyroid glands. It is considered to be the main marker of disorders that are accompanied by systemic inflammation and sepsis. In addition to sepsis and infection, the level of PCT can increase e.g. as a result of surgery, polytrauma, heat shock, burn injuries or cardiogenic shock. Monitoring PCT levels after cardiac surgery or heart transplantation helps to differentiate an acute graft rejection from bacterial or fungal infections.

Clinical significants of PCT and CT

PCT is a good marker of bacterial infection and the severity of inflammation. It is typically present at low concentrations in the peripheral blood of healthy individuals, often undetectable, but can be produced in various tissues and by multiple cell types during inflammation, especially bacterial infections. Besides, it has been confirmed in multiple studies that monitoring the PCT level changes following cardiac surgery or heart transplantation helps differentiating acute graft rejection from bacterial and fungal infections.

CT, however, plays a role in calcium homeostasis by reducing the levels of calcium in the blood. It works in conjunction with Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) and Vitamin D to regulate calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body. It does so by inhibiting osteoclast activity and stimulating osteoblast growth, thereby inhibiting bone decalcification and preventing calcium loss, leading to a decrease in blood calcium levels. It also inhibits renal tubular re-absorption of phosphorus, increasing urinary phosphate excretion and consequently reducing blood phosphate levels.

For the development of PCT immunoassays we offer monoclonal antibodies that are specific to different fragments of the PCT molecule.