General description

Acetoacetate (AcAc) is a β-ketoacid formed in the mitochondria by the condensation of two molecules of acetyl-CoA. AcAc is either enzymatically reduced to 3-hydroxybutyrate or decarboxylated to produce acetone. Ketone bodies (AcAc, 3-HB, and acetone) are used as alternate source of energy in the absence of glucose. Excess ketone bodies are observed in type I diabetes, alcoholism, or starvation.

Principle

The Acetoacetate Colorimetric Assay kit provides a simple and sensitive procedure for measuring AcAc in various samples (ranging from 20-100 nmole/well). AcAc concentration is determined by generating a colorimetric (550 nm) product proportional to the amount of AcAc present. The kit does not detect 3-hydroxybutyrate and is specific for acetoacetate.

Suitability

Suitable for the detection of acetoacetate in samples such as serum, plasma, blood, urine, and other body fluids.