Conclusions
The new ELISA enables more accurate measurement of plasma glucagon than the currently used ELISA, even in subjects with elevated proglucagon-derived peptide levels. It should be clinically useful in elucidating the pathophysiology of individual diabetic patients.
Methods
A new sandwich ELISA was developed using newly generated monoclonal antibodies against glucagon. After its validation, plasma glucagon levels were measured with the new ELISA and the currently used ELISA in subjects who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and in outpatients with suspected glucose intolerance. The ELISA
Results
The new ELISA has high specificity (<1% cross-reactivities) and high sensitivity (a lower range of 0.31 pmol/L). Plasma glucagon values in the subjects who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and some outpatients with suspected glucose intolerance differed between the new ELISA and the currently used ELISA. These subjects also showed markedly high plasma glicentin levels. Despite the elevated plasma glicentin levels, the new ELISA showed better positive correlation with LC-HRMS than did the currently used ELISA. Conclusions: The new ELISA enables more accurate measurement of plasma glucagon than the currently used ELISA, even in subjects with elevated proglucagon-derived peptide levels. It should be clinically useful in elucidating the pathophysiology of individual diabetic patients.