Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (Prostatic Acid Phosphotase, PAP, Acid Phosphatase Prostate, ACPP, ACP3, ACP-3)

Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), also prostatic specific acid phosphatase (PSAP), is an enzyme produced by the prostate. It may be found in increased amounts in men who have prostate cancer or other diseases. The highest levels of acid phosphatase are found in metastasized prostate cancer. Diseases of the bone, such as Paget's disease or hyperparathyroidism, diseases of blood cells, such as sickle-cell disease or multiple myeloma or lysosomal storage diseases, such as Gaucher's disease, will show moderately increased levels. Certain medications can cause temporary increases or decreases in acid phosphatase levels. Manipulation of the prostate gland through massage, biopsy or rectal exam before a test may increase the level.\n\nPSAP was used to monitor and assess progression of prostate cancer until the introduction of prostate specific antigen (PSA), which has now largely displaced it. Recent work, suggesting it has a role in prognosticating intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer, has lead to renewed interest in this marker. PSAP immunohistochemical staining is often used with PSA (staining), by pathologists, to help distinguish poorly differentiated carcinomas. For example, poorly differentiated prostate adenocarcinoma (prostate cancer) and urothelial carcinoma (bladder cancer) may appear similar under the microscope, but PSAP and PSA staining can help differentiate them; prostate adenocarcinoma often stains with PSA and/or PSAP, while urothelial carcinoma does not. Prostatic acid phosphatase is present in semen and its presence can be used as a presumptive test for semen. Other acid phosphatases are present in other bodily fluids, but the high concentration of PAP in semen gives a strong indication that semen is present.\n\nPAP may play an important role in the transmission of HIV. Researchers at the University of Ulm in Germany found that PAP forms fibers made of amyloid. They called the fibers Semen-derived Enhancer of Virus Infection (SEVI) and showed that they capture HIV virions promoting their attachment to target cells. The association of PAP with HIV may increase the ability of the virus to infect human cells by several orders of magnitude. PAP may be a future target of efforts to combat the spread of HIV infection.\n\nApplications: \nSuitable for use in Western Blot and Immunohistochemistry. Other applications not tested.\n\nRecommended Dilution:\nImmunohistochemistry (paraffin, frozen): 1:10-1:20\nOptimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.\n\nStorage and Stability:\nMay be stored at 4 degrees C for short-term only. For long-term storage and to avoid repeated freezing and thawing, aliquot and store at -20 degrees C. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months at -20 degrees C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Catalog Number

P9054-72A

Size

1ml

Applications

IHC, WB

Hosts

Mouse

Reactivities

Hum

Form

Supplied as a liquid, 0.09% sodium azide.

P Type

Mab

Purity

Supernatant

Isotype

IgG1

Additional Info

Recognizes human prostatic-specific acid phosphatase. Recognizes benign and malignant prostatic epithelium. In some cases pancreatic islet cells, carcinomas of the bladder and carcinoids may also be stained. Reacts with a 52kD protein.