General description

Nitrogen-based ions, nitrite and nitrate, are found in almost every living organism. Furthermore, endogenous Nitrite levels are found in mammals and can also be obtained from dietary sources. In humans, nitrite is further metabolized to Nitric Oxide and other reactive nitrogen species (nitrogen oxides). The Nitrate-Nitrite-NO biochemical pathway is well known for its participation in cell signaling, hypoxiadependent response and regulation of blood flow. Recent studies suggest the reduction of Nitrite to Nitrogen Oxygen in the mitochondria. Specifically, myoglobin and xanthine oxidoreductase could generate NO under hypoxic conditions leading to mitochondrial respiration.

Principle

The Nitrite Assay Kit utilizes the Griess Reagent, a classic protocol for the estimation of nitrite. In the assay, nitrite is reduced to Nitrogen Oxide using Griess Reagent I. Then, Nitrogen Oxide reacts with Griess Reagent II forming a stable product that can be detected by its absorbance at A540 nm. The one-step assay is simple, fast and can detect nitrite levels as low as 1 nmol/well.

Suitability

The kit is suitable for the detection of Nitric Oxide in animal tissues (liver, kidney, etc.), cell culture (adherent or suspension cells), serum, plasma and urine.