Abstract
In order to measure the amount of m-calpain in platelets from Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients, carriers and controls, an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been developed using polyclonal antibodies raised against m-calpain (Calcium dependent neutral protease), purified from human placenta. Compared to controls a nine-fold increase in the level of m-calpain was observed in all 25 DMD patients and eight obligate carrier mothers studied. Serum creatine kinase (SCK) values of four of these obligate carriers were found to be overlapping with that of normal values, limiting its usefulness. Since calpain levels were found to be raised in all DMD patients and obligate carriers, the estimation of calpain in all female relatives of the ones affected with DMD (with or without raised serum CK) would prove a facile index. Population screening for carrier females using this cost and labour effective index may help in assessing the carrier status and counselling the at risk families.