CST, 13547S, Griess Reagent Nitrite Measurement Kit

Protocol
Available protocols: Functional
Specificity / Sensitivity
The Griess Reagent Nitrite Measurement Kit detects nitrite levels within a given sample. Detection of micromolar amounts of nitrite is possible using the Griess assay, with the detection range dependent upon the matrix or buffer used in the assay. An estimate of total NO produced requires determination of both nitrite and nitrate levels. As the kit measures only nitrite levels, nitrate should initially be reduced using a nitrate reductase.
Species Reactivity: All Species Expected
Background
Nitric Oxide (NO) is a pleiotropic signaling molecule that plays key roles in multiple cells types and tissues. NO is generated by three distinct nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of L-arginine into L-citrulline and NO (1). Two of these enzymes, endothelial NOS (eNOS) and neuronal NOS (nNOS), are constitutively expressed in many cell types (1). Inducible NOS (iNOS) is transcriptionally regulated and is expressed in response to inflammatory stimuli, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines (1). NO functions as a potent vasodilator and neurotransmitter (1). In the context of cancer, NO may function as either a tumor suppressor or tumor promoter (2). High levels of NO produced by macrophages are cytotoxic (2). In contrast, research studies have shown that lower levels of NO may contribute to tumorigenesis through promoting angiogenesis (2).