This assay has high sensitivity and excellent specificity for detecting Rat IL18 (Interleukin 18). The assay range is from 15.6 to 1000 pg/ml (Sandwich kit) with a sensitivity of 6.3 pg/ml. There is no detectable cross to reactivity with other relevant proteins. Activity loss rate and accelerated stability test ect have been conducted to guarantee the best performance of the products after long storage and delivery.

• High sensitivity and specificity
• Perfect reproducibility and consistency across batches
• Quality control with three-level inspections
• Wide range of targets/species available
• Intra-Assay: CV <10%, Inter-Assay: CV <12%

IL-18 is a 18 kDa novel cytokine which is identified as a costimulatory factor for production of interferon-γ (IFN- γ ) in response to toxic shock. It shares functional similarities with IL-12. IL-18 is synthesized as a precursor 24 kDa molecule without a signal peptide and must be cleaved to produce an active molecule. IL-1 ß converting enzyme (ICE, Caspase-1) cleaves pro-IL-18 at aspartic acid in the P1 position, producing the mature, bioactive peptide that is readily released from the cells. It has been reported that IL-18 is produced from Kupffer cells, activated macrophages, keratinocytes, intestinal epithelial cells, osteoblasts, adrenal cortex cells and murine diencephalon.Apart from its physiological role, IL-18 is also able to induce severe inflammatory reactions, which suggests its role in certain inflammatory disorders.