Transforming Growth Factor-α in Human Submandibular Gland and Saliva

A sensitive sandwich enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) utilizing a polyclonal antibody that recognizes limited epitopes of both human TGF-α and rat TGF-α in combination with a monoclonal anti-TGF-α IgG 1 galactosidase conjugate was developed. This assay shows no cross-reactivity with human epidermal growth factor. We can quantify the TGF-α level in not only human TGF-α (detection limit: 1 pg/ml), but also rat TGF-α (detection limit: 10 pg/ml) by virtue of cross-reactivity. Employing this assay system, we demonstrated that TGF-α is present in both human submandibular glands and submandibular/sublingual saliva.