Detection and production of nitric oxide

The methods most commonly used to detect or measure nitric oxide are summarized in this chapter. Measurement of nitrite produced from •NO by activated human monocytes or by synthetic thionitrites is described in detail. Special emphasis is made on the spectroscopic assays for •NO, including spectrophotometry and EPR spectroscopy. The assays are based on the reaction between a metal center and •NO. A very specific EPR test, based on the reversible coupling reaction between •NO and the tyrosyl radical of ribonucleotide reductase, is reported.