Indirect detection of nitric oxide effects: a review.
Nitric oxide is generated from L-arginine by the action of nitric oxide synthase, an enzyme encoded by three different genes. Nitric oxide is involved in an expanding number of phenomena. This involvement may be documented by direct detection using spectrophotometric or electrochemical methods or more often by indirect methods. Indirect methods for detection of nitric oxide effects include localization of nitric oxide synthase enzyme by immunochemistry or messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) by in situ hybridization, bioassays, inhibition of nitric oxide synthase activity, iron responsive element binding protein activity, and production of nitrate/nitrite, L-citrulline, or cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Careful evaluation of potential pitfalls associated with these indirect methods of detecting nitric oxide effects prior to their use will prevent misinterpretation of results.
Department of Clinical Pathology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA.
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Kiechle
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Malinski
D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D005609:Free Radicals / Q000378:metabolism; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D019331:NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester / Q000494:pharmacology; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D019323:omega-N-Methylarginine / Q000494:pharmacology
D005609:Free Radicals; D019323:omega-N-Methylarginine; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D019344:Lactic Acid; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D019331:NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester