BioPRYN®, a Measure of Pregnancy-specific Protein B for Detection of Pregnancy in Ruminant Animals

Abstract

Pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) was discovered in 1979 by immunological methods and was found by molecular cloning to be a sub-group of the aspartic acid protease family of proteins. The original protein isolate had several immunoreactive, molecular weight, and isoelectric variants. Chemical characteristics were studied. Subsequently, similar protein isolates of PSPB of cattle were given a different name. These are pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) and pregnancy serum protein 60. Precise and accurate radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for PSPB have been used to detect pregnancy in ruminant animals. BioPRYN is an ELISA assay, using the PSPB protein isolate, for detection of pregnancy in ruminants. Radioimmunoassay or ELISA ( the BioPRYN test), specifically using PSPB as the molecule for standard and antigen for obtaining antibodies, equaled or exceeded transrectal sonography, PAG-1 or palpation in comparative tests for pregnancy detection. Development of tests for molecular variants that appear early in gestation can improve on the technology. BioPRYN is available on a commercial basis for livestock breeders or those managing wildlife species. Several affiliate laboratories across the USA and internationally conduct the BioPRYN test with kits offered by BioTracking LLC, Moscow, Idaho. Over 498,115 cattle tests were sold in 2008.