Converting pmol/L to pg/mL?

[Ian Davis]

Russ wrote:
> 
> I would like to know how to convert IL-6 levels from pmol/L to pg/mL. I
> would like to make similar conversions for IL-1 and TNF-a. Is there a table
> somewhere with the conversion factors for different cytokines? Thanks, Russ
> Farris

Well, this is pretty basic chemistry!

moles = (mass in grams)/MW.
pmol = pg/MW, so pg = pmol x MW.
MW is about 21,000 daltons (unglycosylated), so 1 pmol/L = 21,000 pg/L =
21 pg/mL.
So, multiply the number of pmol/L by 21 and you have pg/mL.

IL-1 MW = 17kDa.  TNF MW = 17kDa (secreted form, not membrane bound). 
You do the maths!

Next week, bring a note from your mother explaining why you missed those
chemistry classes.

Ian.