Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a polypeptide involved in the regulation of growth and differentiation of sympathetic and certain sensory neurons. NGF is thought to have a profound effect on the development and maintenance of sympathetic and embryonic sensory neurons. NGF activity isolated from the male mouse submaxillary gland (MSG) consists of three types of subunits,α, β and γ, which specifically interact to form a 7S complex, approximately 130 kDa. The 7S complex contains two identical 118-amino acid β-chains, which are solely responsible for the nerve growth-stimulating activity of NGF. NGF, which is expressed by inflammatory cells and effects changes that lead to increased neural responsiveness, could be a pivotal mediator in allergic rhinitis. The standard product used in this kit is human 2.5S NGF, which is a dimer linking two polypeptide chains of 120 amino acids.

ScienCell's human NGF ELISA kit is based on standard sandwich enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay technology. Human NGF-specific monoclonal antibodies are pre-coated onto 8 x 12 divisible strips. The human-specific detection polyclonal antibodies are biotinylated. The test samples and biotinylated detection antibodies are subsequently added to the wells and then washed with PBS or TBS buffer. Avidin-Biotin-Peroxidase Complex is added and unbound conjugates are washed away with PBS or TBS buffer. HRP substrate TMB is used to visualize HRP enzymatic reaction. TMB is catalyzed by HRP to produce a blue color product that changes to yellow after adding acidic stop solution. The intensity of yellow is proportional to the amount of human NGF in the sample that is captured on the strips.