Immunoradiometric assay for intact human osteocalcin(1-49) without cross-reactivity to breakdown products

Background: Osteocalcin (Oc), a serum marker of bone turnover, circulates in several forms. We developed an assay for intact human Oc and investigated its clinical features.

Methods: We generated goat Antibodies and N- and C-terminal Oc. The former was used on solid phase (polystyrene beads), and the latter was used as the tracer in an IRMA.

Results: The assay was linear with no cross-reactivity to Oc(1-43), total imprecision (CV) of <10%, and recovery of 100% +/- 10%. Assay values for intact Oc in EDTA plasma samples were unchanged at 18-25 degrees C for 6 h. Values for intact Oc in serum, EDTA plasma, and heparin plasma samples did not change after storage on ice for 8 h. Serum samples from patients with various conditions were stored at -70 or -135 degrees C for up to 5 years and yielded z-scores comparable to an Oc(1-43) IRMA for all conditions except for renal failure. In renal failure, the Oc(1-43) assay values were increased, whereas the intact assay values were in the reference interval.

Conclusion: Decreases in Oc assay values are inhibited by calcium chelation, and slowed by reduced temperatures. The described assay for intact Oc allows improved specificity for bone compared with an assay for Oc(1-43).