Lactoferrin ELISA

Lactoferrin is a 76kDa iron-binding glycoprotein which is synthesised and stored in
the secondary granules of neutrophils. It is also present in several secretory fluids,
such as milk, saliva, tears, and nasal secretions.
Lactoferrin can exist in different polymeric forms ranging from monomers to tetramers;
it tends to polymerise especially at high concentrations.
The physiological activities of lactoferrin include regulation of iron homeostasis, innate
defense against a broad range of microbial infections, anti-inflammatory activity,
regulation of cellular growth and differentiation and protection against cancer
development and metastasis.
During intestinal inflammation, polymorphonuclear neutrophils infiltrate the mucosa
and release lactoferrin by degranulation, which results in an increased excretion
of lactoferrin into the faeces. Faecal lactoferrin is therefore a marker for neutrophilic
intestinal inflammation.