Metanephrine, Normetanephrine Free Plasma Metanephrines

Cells derived from neuroendocrine tumours (e.g. pheochromocytoma) are known to produce Catecholamines which are secreted episodically via vesicles into the blood stream. But beside this a small portion of the Catecholamines is metabolized inside the cells to the corresponding catecholamines metabolites – namely Metanephrine (metabolite of Adrenaline), Normetanephrine (metabolite of Noradrenaline) and 3-Methoxytyramine (metabolite of Dopamine) – and then secreted at low levels continuously into the blood stream. Recent studies and publications have shown that the combined quantification of plasma free Metanephrine (fMN) and plasma free Normetanephrine (fNMN) are the most accurate biochemical markers for the clinical diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and paragangliomas (PPGL) and allow the follow-up of pheochromocytoma patients. LDN has developed enzyme immunoassays and isotopic assays for the quantitative determination of fMN and fNMN in human plasma.

The assays show the following common features:

• speed and ease of use
• cost-effective
• for in-vitro diagnostic and research applications
• wide standard ranges
• available as ELISA  (with 15 weeks shelf-life)
• the ELISA is automatable
• freedom from drug interferences
• excellent correlation with LC-MS/MS
• single and multi parameter kits available

LDN is able to offer the most comprehensive panel worldwide for the measurement of PPGL-relevant parameters including:

• Urinary Metanephrine/Normetanephrine (free and total; ELISA)
• Plasma Metanephrine/Normetanephrine (ELISA)
• Catecholamines in plasma and urine (ELISA )
• Chromogranin A (ELISA)