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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
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Novel Whole-tissue Quantitative Assay of Nitric Oxide Levels in Drosophila Neuroinflammatory Response
Published on: December 4, 2013
Measurement of NO and NO synthase
1Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel.
Current Protocols in Neuroscience
|April 23, 2008
Summary
Nitric oxide (NO), a vital biosignaling molecule, is produced by nitric oxide synthases (NOSs). This study details methods for detecting NO and measuring NOS activity, crucial for understanding NO
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) is a critical biosignaling molecule in both the peripheral and central nervous systems.
- Nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) synthesize NO from L-arginine, utilizing molecular oxygen and NADPH.
- Understanding NO's role requires reliable methods for its detection and NOS activity measurement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe established techniques for the direct and indirect detection of nitric oxide (NO).
- To present methods for quantifying nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity.
- To provide essential tools for researchers investigating the biological functions of NO.
Main Methods:
- Direct NO detection via chemiluminescent detection.
- Indirect NO detection by quantifying stable oxidation products using the Griess reagent.
- NOS activity assay by measuring the conversion of radiolabeled L-arginine to L-citrulline.
Main Results:
- The unit provides detailed protocols for two distinct NO detection methods.
- Quantification of NOS activity is achievable through radiolabeled substrate conversion.
- These methods enable robust measurement of NO and NOS activity in biological samples.
Conclusions:
- Accurate measurement of NO and NOS activity is fundamental for biological research.
- The described chemiluminescent and Griess-based methods offer reliable NO detection.
- The radiolabeled assay provides a quantitative measure of NOS enzyme activity.
