Hepcidin is a peptide hormone produced by the liver. It was discovered in 2000, and appears to be the master regulator of iron homeostasis in humans and other mammals.Hepcidin functions to regulate (inhibit) iron transport across the gut mucosa, thereby preventing excess iron absorption and maintaining normal iron levels within the body. Hepcidin also inhibits transport of iron out of macrophages (where iron is stored). Thus, in states of high hepcidin levels (including inflammatory states), serum iron levels can drop because iron is trapped inside macrophages. This leads to anemia. In humans, HAMP is the gene that encodes for hepcidin.

This antibody binds to its immunogen, and did not show any cross reactivity with unrelated antigens in ELISA. Cross reactivity with mouse and rat Hepcidin has not been tested yet.

Store at 4°C if intended for use within one month, otherwise, store at -20°C to -80°C. The lyophilized antibody is stable for at least 18 months after the date of receipt when stored at -20°C to -80°C. After reconstitution, it can be aliquotted and stored at 4°C for 1 month or at -20°C to -80°C in a manual defrost freezer for many months without detectable loss activity.

12 months from the date of shipment when stored properly.