Detailed methods for the quantification of nitric oxide in aqueous solutions using either an oxygen monitor or EPR

The effect of orally administered nitrate on renal function and blood pressure in a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study in healthy subjects

BACKGROUND

Several studies have shown inorganic nitrate/nitrite to reduce blood pressure in both healthy subjects and hypertensive patients. An effect presumably caused through bioconversion to nitric oxide. However, studies on inorganic nitrate/nitrite have shown inconsistent results on renal functions such as GFR and sodium excretion. The current study investigated whether orally administered nitrate would decrease blood pressure and increase GFR and urinary sodium excretion.

METHODS

In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, crossover study, 18 healthy subjects received a daily dose of 24 mmol potassium nitrate and placebo (potassium chloride) during 4 days in a randomized order. Subjects also ingested a standardized diet and completed a 24-h urine collection. GFR was determined by the constant infusion technique and during GFR measurement, brachial blood pressure (BP) and central blood pressure (cBP), heart rate, and arterial stiffness were measured every half hour using the Mobil-O-Graph®. Blood samples was analyzed for nitrate, nitrite, cGMP, vasoactive hormones and electrolytes. Urine was analyzed for nitrate, nitrite, cGMP, electrolytes, ENaC_γ, NCC, CrCl, C_H2O and UO.

RESULTS

No differences in GFR, blood pressure or sodium excretion were found between the treatments with potassium nitrate and placebo. However, both nitrate and nitrite levels in plasma and urine were significantly increased by potassium nitrate intake and the 24-h urinary excretion of sodium and potassium were stable, showing adherence to the standardized diet and the study medication.

CONCLUSION

We found no decrease in blood pressure or increase in GFR and sodium excretion of 24 mmol potassium nitrate capsules as compared to placebo after 4 days of treatment. Healthy subjects may be able to compensate the effects of nitrate supplementation during steady state conditions. Future research should focus on long-term studies on the difference in response between healthy subjects and patients with cardiac or renal disease.

Deletion of UCP1 enhances ex vivo aortic vasomotor function in female but not male mice despite similar susceptibility to metabolic dysfunction

Females are typically more insulin sensitive than males, which may be partly attributed to greater brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) content. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that UCP1 deletion would abolish sex differences in insulin sensitivity and that whitening of thoracic periaortic BAT caused by UCP1 loss would be accompanied with impaired thoracic aortic function. Furthermore, because UCP1 exerts antioxidant effects, we examined whether UCP1 deficiency-induced metabolic dysfunction was mediated by oxidative stress. Compared with males, female mice had lower HOMA- and AT-insulin resistance (IR) despite no significant differences in BAT UCP1 content. UCP1 ablation increased HOMA-IR, AT-IR, and whitening of BAT in both sexes. Expression of UCP1 in thoracic aorta was greater in wild-type females compared with males. Importantly, deletion of UCP1 enhanced aortic vasomotor function in females only. UCP1 ablation did not promote oxidative stress in interscapular BAT. Furthermore, daily administration of the free radical scavenger tempol for 8 wk did not abrogate UCP1 deficiency-induced increases in adiposity, hyperinsulinemia, or liver steatosis. Collectively, we report that 1) in normal chow-fed mice housed at 25°C, aortic UCP1 content was greater in females than males and its deletion improved ex vivo aortic vasomotor function in females only; 2) constitutive UCP1 content in BAT was similar between females and males and loss of UCP1 did not abolish sex differences in insulin sensitivity; and 3) the metabolic disruptions caused by UCP1 ablation did not appear to be contingent upon increased oxidative stress in mice under normal dietary conditions.

Nitric oxide sensing by chlorophyll a

Nitric oxide (NO) acts as a signalling molecule that has direct and indirect regulatory roles in various functional processes in biology, though in plant kingdom its role is relatively unexplored. One reason for this is the fact that sensing of NO is always challenging. There are very few probes that can classify the different NO species. The present paper proposes a simple but straightforward way for sensing different NO species using chlorophyll, the source of inspiration being hemoglobin that serves as NO sink in mammalian systems. The proposed method is able to classify NO from DETA-NONOate or (Z)-1-[N-(2-aminoethyl)-N-(2-ammonioethyl) amino] diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate, nitrite, nitrate and S-nitrosothiol or SNO. This discrimination is carried out by chlorophyll a (chl a) at nano molar (nM) order of sensitivity and at 293 K-310 K. Molecular docking reveals the differential binding effects of NO and SNO with chlorophyll, the predicted binding affinity matching with the experimental observation. Additional experiments with a diverse range of cyanobacteria reveal that apart from the spectroscopic approach the proposed sensing module can be used in microscopic inspection of NO species. Binding of NO is sensitive to temperature and static magnetic field. This provides additional support for the involvement of the porphyrin ring structures to the NO sensing process. This also, broadens the scope of the sensing methods as hinted in the text.

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Study of the Free Radical Scavenging Capacity of Curcumin and Its Demethoxy and Hydrogenated Derivatives

The quantitative free radical scavenging capacity of curcumin and its demethoxy derivatives (demethoxycurcumin (Dmc) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (Bdmc)) and hydrogenated derivatives (tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), hexahydrocurcumin (HHC) and octahydrocurcumin (OHC)) towards 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide radical (NO), hydroxyl radical (HO(·)) and superoxide anion radical (O2(·)) were investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. One mole of the hydrogenated derivatives scavenged about 4 mol of the DPPH radical, while curcumin and Dmc scavenged about 3 mol of the DPPH radical. Curcumin and THC showed moderate scavenging activity towards NO, yielding 200 mmol of NO scavenged per 1 mol of the scavenger. In contrast, curcumin and its derivatives showed very low scavenging activity towards HO(·) and O2(·), yielding approximately only 3-12 mmol scavenged per 1 mol of the tested compounds. Our results suggest that curcumin and its derivatives principally act as chain breaking antioxidants rather than as direct free radical scavengers. Furthermore, we showed that the ortho-methoxyphenolic group and the heptadione linkage of these molecules greatly contributed to their DPPH and NO scavenging activity.

Measurement of Nitric Oxide (NO) Generation Rate by Chloroplasts Employing Electron Spin Resonance (ESR)

Chloroplasts are among the more active organelles involved in free energy transduction in plants (photophosphorylation). Nitric oxide (NO) generation by soybean (Glycine max, var ADM 4800) chloroplasts was measured as an endogenous product assessed by electron paramagnetic resonance (ESR) spin-trapping technique. ESR spectroscopy is a methodology employed to detect species with unpaired electrons (paramagnetic). This technology has been successfully applied to different plant tissues and subcellular compartments to asses both, NO content and generation. The spin trap MGD-Fe(2+) is extensively employed to efficiently detect NO. Here, we describe a simple methodology to asses NO generation rate by isolated chloroplasts in the presence of either L-Arginine or nitrite (NO2 (-)) as substrates, since these compounds are required for enzymatic activities considered as the possible sources of NO generation in plants.

Monohydroxylated Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (OH-PBDEs) and Dihydroxylated Polybrominated Biphenyls (Di-OH-PBBs): Novel Photoproducts of 2,6-Dibromophenol

Hydroxylated polybromodiphenyl ethers (OH-PBDEs) are emerging aquatic pollutants, but their origins in the environment are not fully understood. There is evidence that OH-PBDEs are formed from bromophenols, but the underlying transformation processes remain unknown. Here, we investigate if the photoformation of OH-PBDEs from 2,6-dibromophenol in aqueous solution involves 2,6-bromophenoxyl radicals. After the UV irradiation of an aqueous 2,6-dibromophenol solution, HPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS and GC-MS analysis revealed the formation of a OH-PBDE and a dihydroxylated polybrominated biphenyl (di-OH-PBB). Both dimeric photoproducts were tentatively identified as 4'-OH-BDE73 and 4,4'-di-OH-PBB80. In addition, three debromination products (4-OH-BDE34, 4'-OH-BDE27, and 4,4'-di-OH-PBBs) were observed. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed the presence of a 2,6-dibromophenoxyl radical with a six-line spectrum (a(H) (2 meta) = 3.45 G, a(H) (1 para) = 1.04 G, g = 2.0046) during irradiation of a 2,6-dibromophenol solution in water. The 2,6-dibromophenoxyl radical had a relatively long half-life (122 ± 5 μs) according to laser flash photolysis experiments. The para-para C-C and O-para-C couplings of these 2,6-dibromophenoxyl radicals are consistent with the observed formation of both dimeric OH-PBDE and di-OH-PBB photoproducts. These findings show that bromophenoxyl radical-mediated phototransformation of bromophenols is a source of OH-PBDEs and di-OH-PBBs in aqueous environments that requires further attention.

Pharmacological ascorbate with gemcitabine for the control of metastatic and node-positive pancreatic cancer (PACMAN): results from a phase I clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Treatment for pancreatic cancer with pharmacological ascorbate (ascorbic acid, vitamin C) decreases tumor progression in preclinical models. A phase I clinical trial was performed to establish safety and tolerability of pharmacological ascorbate combined with gemcitabine in patients with biopsy-proven stage IV pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

DESIGN

Nine subjects received twice-weekly intravenous ascorbate (15-125 g) employing Simon's accelerated titration design to achieve a targeted post-infusion plasma level of ≥350 mg/dL (≥20 mM). Subjects received concurrent gemcitabine. Disease burden, weight, performance status, hematologic and metabolic laboratories, time to progression and overall survival were monitored.

RESULTS

Mean plasma ascorbate trough levels were significantly higher than baseline (1.46 ± 0.02 vs. 0.78 ± 0.09 mg/dL, i.e., 83 vs. 44 μM, p < 0.001). Adverse events attributable to the drug combination were rare and included diarrhea (n = 4) and dry mouth (n = 6). Dose-limiting criteria were not met for this study. Mean survival of subjects completing at least two cycles (8 weeks) of therapy was 13 ± 2 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Data suggest pharmacologic ascorbate administered concurrently with gemcitabine is well tolerated. Initial data from this small sampling suggest some efficacy. Further studies powered to determine efficacy should be conducted.

Control of hepatic nuclear superoxide production by glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and NADPH oxidase-4

Redox-regulated signal transduction is coordinated by spatially controlled production of reactive oxygen species within subcellular compartments. The nucleus has long been known to produce superoxide (O(2)(·-)); however, the mechanisms that control this function remain largely unknown. We have characterized molecular features of a nuclear superoxide-producing system in the mouse liver. Using electron paramagnetic resonance, we investigated whether several NADPH oxidases (NOX1, 2, and 4) and known activators of NOX (Rac1, Rac2, p22(phox), and p47(phox)) contribute to nuclear O(2)(·-) production in isolated hepatic nuclei. Our findings demonstrate that NOX4 most significantly contributes to hepatic nuclear O(2)(·-) production that utilizes NADPH as an electron donor. Although NOX4 protein immunolocalized to both nuclear membranes and intranuclear inclusions, fluorescent detection of NADPH-dependent nuclear O(2)(·-) predominantly localized to the perinuclear space. Interestingly, NADP(+) and G6P also induced nuclear O(2)(·-) production, suggesting that intranuclear glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) can control NOX4 activity through nuclear NADPH production. Using G6PD mutant mice and G6PD shRNA, we confirmed that reductions in nuclear G6PD enzyme decrease the ability of hepatic nuclei to generate O(2)(·-) in response to NADP(+) and G6P. NOX4 and G6PD protein were also observed in overlapping microdomains within the nucleus. These findings provide new insights on the metabolic pathways for substrate regulation of nuclear O(2)(·-) production by NOX4.

Proanthocyanidins in buckwheat flour can reduce salivary nitrite to nitric oxide in the stomach

Buckwheat flour, which is used for various dishes in the world, is a good source of proanthocyanidins. Proanthocyanidins in the buckwheat flour reduced nitrous acid producing nitric oxide (NO) when the flour was suspended in acidified saliva or in acidic buffer solution in the presence of nitrite. The ingestion of dough prepared from buckwheat flour increased the concentration of NO in the air expelled from the stomach, suggesting that the proanthocyanidins also reduced nitrite to NO in the stomach. During the production of NO by the buckwheat flour/nitrous acid systems, oxidation, nitration, and nitrosation of proanthocyanidins proceeded. The increase in the concentration of NO could improve the activity of stomach helping the digestion of ingested foods and the nitration and nitrosation of the proanthocyanidins could contribute to the scavenging of reactive nitrogen oxide species generated from NO and nitrous acid.

Chitosan gallate as a novel potential polysaccharide antioxidant: an EPR study

A novel biopolymer-based antioxidant, chitosan conjugated with gallic acid (chitosan galloylate, chitosan-GA), is proposed. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) demonstrates a wide range of antioxidant activity for chitosan-GA as evidenced from its reactions with oxidizing free radicals, that is, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-H(2)O(2), carbon-centered alkyl radicals, and hydroxyl radicals. The EPR spectrum of the radical formed on chitosan-GA was attributed to the semiquinone radical of the gallate moiety. The stoichiometry and effective concentration (EC(50)) of the DPPH free radical with chitosan-GA show that the radical scavenging capacity is maintained even after thermal treatment at 100 degrees C for an hour. Although the degree of substitution of GA on chitosan was about 15%, its antioxidant capacity, that is, the reaction with carbon-centered and hydroxyl radicals, is comparable to that of GA.

Production of nitric oxide-derived reactive nitrogen species in human oral cavity and their scavenging by salivary redox components

Nitrite is reduced to nitric oxide (NO) in the oral cavity. The NO generated can react with molecular oxygen producing reactive nitrogen species. In this study, reduction of nitrite to NO was observed in bacterial fractions of saliva and whole saliva. Formation of reactive nitrogen species from NO was detected by measuring the transformation of 4,5-diaminofluorescein (DAF-2) to triazolfluorescein (DAF-2T). The transformation was fast in bacterial fractions but slow in whole saliva. Salivary components such as ascorbate, glutathione, uric acid and thiocyanate inhibited the transformation of DAF-2 to DAF-2T in bacterial fractions without affecting nitrite-dependent NO production. The inhibition was deduced to be due to scavenging of reactive nitrogen species, which were formed from NO, by the above reagents. The transformation of DAF-2 to DAF-2T was faster in bacterial fractions and whole saliva which were prepared 1-4 h after tooth brushing than those prepared immediately after toothbrushing. Increase in the rate as a function of time after toothbrushing seemed to be due to the increase in population of bacteria which could reduce nitrite to NO. The results obtained in this study suggest that reactive nitrogen species derived from NO are continuously formed in the oral cavity and that the reactive nitrogen species are effectively scavenged by salivary redox components in saliva but the scavenging is not complete.

Spinnokinetic Analyses of Blood Disposition and Biliary Excretion of Nitric Oxide (NO)-Fe(II)-N-(Dithiocarboxy)sarcosine Complex in Rats: BCM-ESR and BEM-ESR Studies

Nitric oxide (NO) is well known to have a wide variety of biological and physiological functions in animals. On the basis of the fact that Fe(II)-dithiocarbamates react with NO, a Fe(II)-N-(dithiocarboxy)sarcosine complex (Fe(II)-DTCS) was proposed as a trapping agent for endogenous NO. However, quantitative pharmacokinetic investigation for NO-Fe(II)-dithiocarbamate complexes in experimental animals has been quite limited. This paper describes the results on the quantitative pharmacokinetic features of a NO-Fe(II)-N-DTCS in both the blood and bile of rats following intravenous (i.v.) administration of the complex. For this purpose, we applied two in vivo methods, i.e. (1) in vivo blood circulation monitoring-electron spin resonance (BCM-ESR) which previously developed, and (2) in vivo biliary excretion monitoring-electron spin resonance (BEM-ESR). We monitored real-time ESR signals due to nitrosyl-iron species in the circulating blood and bile flow. The ESR signal due to NO-Fe(II)-DTCS was stable in biological systems such as the fresh blood and bile. In in vivo BCM- and BEM-ESR, the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated on the basis of the two-compartment and hepatobiliary transport models. The studies also revealed that the compound is widely distributed in the peripheral organs and partially excreted into the bile. We named a kinetic method to follow spin concentrations as spinnokinetics and this method will be useful for detecting and quantifying the endogenously generated NO in Fe(II)-DTCS administered animals.

Endosomal Nox2 facilitates redox-dependent induction of NF-kappaB by TNF-alpha

Growing evidence suggests that NADPH oxidase (Nox)-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) play important roles in regulating cytokine signaling. We have explored how TNF-alpha induction of Nox-dependent ROS influences NF-kappaB activation. Cellular stimulation by TNF-alpha induced NADPH-dependent superoxide production in the endosomal compartment, and this ROS was required for IKK-mediated activation of NF-kappaB. Inhibiting endocytosis reduced the ability of TNF-alpha to induce both NADPH-dependent endosomal superoxide and NF-kappaB, supporting the notion that redox-dependent signaling of the receptor occurs in the endosome. Molecular analyses demonstrated that endosomal H(2)O(2) was critical for the recruitment of TRAF2 to the TNFR1/TRADD complex after endocytosis. Studies using both Nox2 siRNA and Nox2-knockout primary fibroblasts indicated that Nox2 was critical for TNF-alpha-mediated induction of endosomal superoxide. Redox-active endosomes that form after TNF-alpha or IL-1 beta induction recruit several common proteins (Rac1, Nox2, p67(phox), SOD1), while also retaining specificity for ligand-activated receptor effectors. Our studies suggest that TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta signaling pathways both can use Nox2 to facilitate redox activation of their respective receptors at the endosomal level by promoting the redox-dependent recruitment of TRAFs. These studies help to explain how cellular compartmentalization of redox signals can be used to direct receptor activation from the plasma membrane.

UVA/B-induced formation of free radicals from decabromodiphenyl ether

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants are ubiquitous in the environment and in humans. A deca-bromodiphenyl ether mixture (deca-BDE) is the dominating commercial PBDE product today. Deca-BDE is degraded by UV to PBDEs with fewer bromines. We hypothesized that photodegradation of deca-BDE results in the formation of free radicals. We employed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) with spin trap agents to examine the free radicals formed from UV irradiation of a deca-BDE mixture (DE-83R). The activating wavelength for deca-BDE photochemistry was in the UVA to UVB range. The yields of radicals from irradiated deca-BDE in tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, and toluene were about 9-, 4-, and 7-fold higher, respectively, than from irradiated solvent alone. Radical formation increased with deca-BDE concentration and irradiation time. The quantum yield of radical formation of the deca-BDE mixture was higher than with an octa-BDE mixture (DE-79; approximately 2-fold), decabromobiphenyl (PBB 209; approximately 2-fold), decachlorobiphenyl (PCB 209; approximately 3-fold), and diphenyl ether (DE; approximately 6-fold), indicating the positive effects of bromine and an ether bond on radical formation. Analysis of hyperfine splittings of the spin adducts suggests that radical formation is initiated or significantly enhanced by debromination paired with hydrogen abstraction from the solvents. To our knowledge this is the first study that uses EPR to demonstrate the formation of free radicals during the photolytic degradation of PBDEs. Our findings strongly suggestthe potential of negative consequences due to radical formation during UV exposure of PBDEs in biological systems.

Interaction between ascorbic acid and chlorogenic acid during the formation of nitric oxide in acidified saliva

When saliva and gastric juice are mixed, salivary nitrite is transformed to nitrous acid to produce nitric oxide (NO). The NO formation in acidified saliva was enhanced by ascorbic acid and chlorogenic acid. Thiocyanate ion (SCN(-)) also enhanced the transformation of nitrous acid to NO. During the NO formation in the presence of both ascorbic acid and chlorogenic acid, ascorbic acid was preferentially oxidized. Chlorogenic acid was oxidized after ascorbic acid had been oxidized. Ascorbyl radical was detected during the oxidation of ascorbic acid, and the radical intensity was decreased by chlorogenic acid. The decrease is discussed to be due to the reduction of the oxidation intermediate or product of chlorogenic acid by ascorbyl radical. The result obtained in this study suggests that ascorbic acid was preferentially oxidized and that not only ascorbic acid but also ascorbyl radical could interact with the oxidation intermediate or product of chlorogenic acid when chlorogenic acid was added to the mixture of saliva and gastric juice that contained ascorbic acid.

Chlorination increases the persistence of semiquinone free radicals derived from polychlorinated biphenyl hydroquinones and quinones

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) comprise a group of persistent organic pollutants that differ significantly in their physicochemical properties, their persistence, and their biological activities. They can be metabolized via hydroxylated and dihydroxylated metabolites to PCB quinone intermediates. We have recently demonstrated that both dihydroxy PCBs and PCB quinones can form semiquinone radicals (SQ(*-)) in vitro. These semiquinone radicals are reactive intermediates that have been implicated in the toxicity of lower chlorinated PCB congeners. Here we describe the synthesis of selected PCB metabolites with differing degrees of chlorination on the oxygenated phenyl ring, e.g., 4,4'-dichloro-biphenyl-2,5-diol, 3,6,4'-trichloro-biphenyl-2,5-diol, 3,4,6,-trichloro-biphenyl-2,5-diol, and their corresponding quinones. In addition, two chlorinated o-hydroquinones were prepared, 6-chloro-biphenyl-3,4-diol and 6,4'-dichloro-biphenyl-3,4-diol. These PCB (hydro-)quinones readily react with oxygen or via comproportionation to yield the corresponding semiquinone free radicals, as detected by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR alias ESR). The greater the number of chlorines on the (hydro-)quinone (oxygenated) ring, the higher the steady-state level of the resulting semiquinone radical at near neutral pH.

Reduction of nitrous Acid to nitric oxide by coffee melanoidins and enhancement of the reduction by thiocyanate: possibility of its occurrence in the stomach

Reactions of nitrous acid with freeze-dried instant coffee and its methanol-insoluble melanoidin fractions were studied at pH 2 in the presence and absence of thiocyanate (SCN (-)), simulating the mixture of coffee, saliva, and gastric juice. Coffee contained stable radicals, and the radical concentration increased by ferricyanide and decreased by ascorbic acid. This result indicates that the radical concentration was affected by the redox state of coffee and that the nature of the radical was due to quinhydrone structure that might be included in coffee melanoidins. Nitrite also increased the electron spin resonance (ESR) signal intensity at pH 2, suggesting that nitrite oxidized melanoidins producing nitric oxide (NO). The formation of NO could be detected by oxygen uptake due to the autoxidation of NO and using an NO-trapping agent. SCN (-) largely enhanced NO formation in coffee and methanol-insoluble melanoidin fractions but only slightly in a methanol-soluble fraction, and the enhancement accompanied the consumption of SCN (-) but did not accompany the formation of a stable ESR signal. The enhancement was explained by the reduction of NOSCN by melanoidins in methanol-insoluble fractions and that the consumption was due to binding of SCN (-) to melanoidins during their oxidation by nitrous acid. The result obtained in this study suggests that when coffee is ingested, in addition to chlorogenic acid and its isomers, melanoidins can also react with salivary nitrite and SCN (-) in the gastric lumen, producing NO.

Formation of the thiocyanate conjugate of chlorogenic acid in coffee under acidic conditions in the presence of thiocyanate and nitrite: possible occurrence in the stomach

The objective of the present study was to elucidate how chlorogenic acid in coffee was transformed under acidic conditions simulating the mixture of saliva and gastric juice. When coffee was incubated in acidified saliva that contained nitrite and SCN-, in addition to nitric oxide (NO), four major components were detected. Two of the four components (components 3 and 4) were generated when chlorogenic acid was incubated in acidified saliva and when incubated in an acidic buffer solution in the presence of both nitrite and SCN-. By the incubation of chlorogenic acid in acidic nitrite in the absence of SCN-, components 3 and 4 were not formed but the quinone of chlorogenic acid and nitrated chlorogenic acid were formed. The result indicates that SCN- was indispensable for nitrous acid induced formation of components 3 and 4. Component 4 was isolated and its structure was determined to be (E)-5'-(3-(7-hydroxy-2-oxobenzo[d] [1,3]oxathiol-4-yl)acryloyloxy)quinic acid. Component 3, which was suggested to be 2-thiocyanatochlorogenic acid, seemed to be formed by the reaction between SCN- and the quinone of chlorogenic acid. As it has been reported that the quinone of chlorogenic acid can react with thiols and can decompose producing H2O2, the formation of component 4 can reduce the toxic effects of the quinone of chlorogenic acid.

Reactive nitrogen species-dependent effects on soybean chloroplasts

Nitric oxide (NO) generation by soybean (Glycine max, var ADM 4800) chloroplasts was studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin-trapping technique.1 Both nitrite and L-arginine (arg) are the required substrates for enzymatic activities considered as possible sources of NO in plants. Soybean chloroplasts showed a NO production of 3.2 +/- 0.2 nmol min(-1) mg(-1) protein in the presence of 1 mM NaNO(2). Chloroplasts incubated with 1 mM arg showed a NO production of 0.76 +/- 0.04 nmol min(-1) mg(-1) protein. This production was inhibited when chloroplasts were incubated in presence of NOS-inhibitors L-NAME and L-NNA. In vitro exposure of chloroplasts to a NO-donor (GSNO) decreased both ascorbyl radical content and the activity of ascorbate peroxidase, without modification of the total ascorbate content. Exposure of the isolated chloroplasts to a NO-donor decreased lipid radical content in membranes, however, incubation in the presence of 25 microM peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) led to an increase in lipid-derived radicals (34%). The effect of ONOO(-) on protein oxidation was determined by western blotting, showing an increase in carbonyl content either in stroma or thylakoid proteins as compared to control. Taken as a whole, NO seems to be an endogenous metabolite in soybean chloroplasts and reactive nitrogen species could exert either antioxidant or prooxidant effects on chloroplasts, since both a decreased lipid radical content in membranes and a decrease in the activity of ascorbate peroxidase were observed after exposure to a NO donor.

Nitric oxide decreases the stability of DMPO spin adducts

The effect nitric oxide (NO*) on the stability of 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) adducts has been investigated using EPR spectroscopy. We report that the DMPO/HO* adduct, generated by porcine pulmonary artery endothelial cells in the presence of H2O2 and DMPO, or by a Fenton system (Fe(II)+H2O2) is degraded in the presence of the NO*-donor, 2-(N,N-diethylamino)-diazenolate-2-oxide (DEANO) or by bolus addition of an aqueous solution of NO*. A similar effect of DEANO was observed on other DMPO adducts, such as DMPO/*CH3 and DMPO/*CH(CH3)OH, generated in cell-free systems. Measurements of the loss of DMPO/HO* in the presence of DEANO in aerated and oxygen-free buffers showed that in both of these settings the process obeys first-order kinetics and proceeds with similar efficacy. This indicates that direct interaction of the nitroxide with NO*, rather than with NO2* (formed from NO* and O2 in aerated media), is responsible for destruction of the spin adduct. These results suggest that the presence of NO* may substantially affect the quantitative determination of DMPO adducts. We also show that NO2* radicals, generated by a myeloperoxidase/H2O2/nitrite system, also degrade DMPO/HO*. Because DMPO is frequently used to study generation of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals in biological systems, these observations indicate that extra caution is required when studying generation of these species in the presence of NO* or NO2* radicals.

Synthesis and NMR characterization of new hyaluronan-based NO donors

Nitric oxide (NO) and hyaluronic acid (HA), two species widely different in terms of molecular complexity and biological competence, are both known to play an important role in the wound healing process. To combine the properties of HA and NO, we synthesized new NO-donors based on hyaluronic acid derivatives exhibiting a controlled NO-release under physiological conditions (in vitro tests). Since two molecules of NO can form a covalent bond with secondary amines to yield structures, named NONO-ates, able to release NO in solution, we used spermidine bound to HA as the NO-linker. The HA-spermidine derivative was obtained by controlled HA amidation in aqueous media, activating the biopolymer carboxylate groups with a water soluble carbodiimide. The resulting derivative, soluble in water, was fully characterized by high field 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The amount of grafting of spermidine on HA was determined by integration of suitable 1H NMR signals. In addition, cross-linked derivatives of HA were synthesized by the Ugi's four-component reaction using formaldehyde, cyclohexylisocyanide, and spermidine. The HA-spermidine networks were characterized by 13C CP-MAS NMR spectroscopy. The degree of cross-linking of the networks was also determined. Finally, the release of NO from the swollen hydrogels freshly saturated with NO, in contact with aqueous media, was monitored by means of UV spectrophotometric measurements.

Quercetin-dependent scavenging of reactive nitrogen species derived from nitric oxide and nitrite in the human oral cavity: interaction of quercetin with salivary redox components

In the human oral cavity, nitrite is reduced to nitric oxide (NO) by certain bacteria. The NO formed reacts with O2 to generate NO2 and then with NO2 producing N2O3. In this study, N2O3 produced by the reaction between NO and NO2 was detected by fluorescence increase due to the transformation of 4,5-diaminofluorescein to fluorescent triazolfluorescein. Nitrite-induced fluorescence increase in the bacterial fraction of saliva was completely inhibited by 1muM quercetin and the complete inhibition continued until almost all quercetin had been oxidized. Nitrite-induced fluorescence increase was also observed in the saliva which contained salivary redox components. Quercetin effectively inhibited the fluorescence increase. During the inhibition of the fluorescence increases by quercetin, the flavonol was oxidized. NO2 seemed to participate in the oxidation. The main oxidation product was 2-(3,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)-2,4,6-trihydroxy-3(2H)-benzofurane. Thiocyanate inhibited the fluorescence increase in bacterial fraction and duration of the complete inhibition by quercetin was prolonged by SCN-. The inhibition and the prolongation are discussed to be due to SCN--dependent inhibition of oxidation of nitrite to NO2 by salivary peroxidase. Quercetin cooperated with ascorbate to inhibit the fluorescence increase. From the results obtained in this study, it is deduced (1) that quercetin can protect human oral cavity from damages induced by reactive nitrogen species and (2) that the protective function of quercetin may be significant when antioxidant capacity of saliva is decreased by periodontal diseases.

Nitric oxide as a cellular antioxidant: a little goes a long way

Nitric oxide (NO*) is an effective chain-breaking antioxidant in free radical-mediated lipid oxidation (LPO). It reacts rapidly with peroxyl radicals as a sacrificial chain-terminating antioxidant. The goal of this work was to determine the minimum threshold concentration of NO* required to inhibit Fe2+ -induced cellular lipid peroxidation. Using oxygen consumption as a measure of LPO, we simultaneously measured nitric oxide and oxygen concentrations with NO* and O2 electrodes. Ferrous iron and dioxygen were used to initiate LPO in docosahexaenoic acid-enriched HL-60 and U937 cells. Bolus addition of NO* (1.5 microM) inhibited LPO when the NO* concentration was greater than 50 nM. Similarly, using (Z)-1-[N-(3-ammoniopropyl)-N-(n-propyl)amino]diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate as a NO* donor we found that an average steady-state NO* concentration of at least 72 +/- 9 nM was required to blunt LPO. As long as the concentration of NO* was above 13 +/- 8 nM the inhibition was sustained. Once the concentration of NO* fell below this value, the rate of lipid oxidation accelerated as measured by the rate of oxygen consumption. Our model suggests that a continuous production of NO* that would yield a steady-state concentration of only 10-20 nM is capable of inhibiting Fe2+ -induced LPO.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors reduce urinary markers of systemic oxidant stress in murine proliferative lupus nephritis

BACKGROUND

Proliferative lupus nephritis (PLN) is characterized by increased expression of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS). Inhibition of iNOS with NG-monomethyl L-arginine (L-NMMA) abrogates renal disease in two models of murine PLN, but the mechanism of this effect is unknown. Reactive oxygen species have both direct and indirect pathogenic effects in inflammatory lesions and are therefore potentially an important therapeutic target in PLN. We hypothesized that inhibition of iNOS activity would reduce ROS production in murine PLN.

METHODS

A dose escalation of L-NMMA (0, 20, 100, and 500 mg/kg/day) was performed in New Zealand Black x New Zealand White F1 (NZB/W) mice with active renal disease. Twenty-four-hour urine nitrate + nitrite (NOX) was measured with a chemiluminescence NO analyzer. Twenty-four-hour urine 8-isoprostane F2alpha (8-iso-PGF2alpha) was measured by gas chromatography-negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry. MRL-MpJFASlpr (MRL/lpr) and NZB/W mice were divided into three groups and given either L-NMMA, L-N6-iminoethyl-lysine (L-NIL), or distilled water for 2 weeks. Urine NOX and 8-iso-PGF2alpha were determined after 2 weeks.

RESULTS

L-NMMA reduced both urine NOX and 8-iso-PGF2alpha levels in a dose-dependent fashion in NZB/W and MRL/lpr mice. Urine NOX and 8-iso-PGF2alpha levels were highly correlated. Both specific (L-NIL) and nonspecific (L-NMMA) iNOS inhibition reduced urine NOX and 8-iso-PGF2alpha levels in both models of murine PLN.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that iNOS activity is a major source of reactive oxidant stress in these models of murine PLN. Future studies will address the pathogenic role of reactive oxygen stress in PLN.

Nitric oxide release from the unimolecular decomposition of the superoxide radical anion adduct of cyclic nitrones in aqueous medium

Nitrones such as 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO), 5-diethoxyphosphoryl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DEPMPO) and 5-ethoxycarbonyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (EMPO) have become the spin-traps of choice for the detection of transient radical species in chemical and biological systems using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The mechanism of decomposition of the superoxide radical anion (O2(.-)) adducts of DMPO, DEPMPO and EMPO in aqueous solutions was investigated. Our findings suggest that nitric oxide (NO) was formed during the decomposition of the O2(.-) adduct as detected by EPR spin trapping using Fe(II)N-methyl-d-glucamine dithiocarbamate (MGD). Nitric oxide release was observed from the O2(.-) adduct formed from hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase, PMA-activated human neutrophils, and DMSO solution of KO2. Nitric oxide formation was not observed from the independently generated hydroxyl radical adduct. Formation of nitric oxide was also indirectly detected as nitrite (NO2(.-)) utilizing the Griess assay. Nitrite concentration increases with increasing O2(.-) concentration at constant DMPO concentration, while NO2(.-) formation is suppressed at anaerobic conditions. Moreover, large excess of DMPO also inhibits NO2(.-) formation which can be attributed to the oxidation of DMPO to hydroxamic acid nitroxide (DMPO-X) by nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a precursor to NO2(.-). Product analysis was also conducted to further elucidate the mechanism of adduct decay using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique.

Overexpression of manganese superoxide dismutase promotes the survival of prostate cancer cells exposed to hyperthermia

It has been hypothesized that exposure of cells to hyperthermia results in an increased flux of reactive oxygen species (ROS), primarily superoxide anion radicals, and that increasing antioxidant enzyme levels will result in protection of cells from the toxicity of these ROS. In this study, the prostate cancer cell line, PC-3, and its manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD)-overexpressing clones were subjected to hyperthermia (43 degrees C, 1 h). Increased expression of MnSOD increased the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Hyperthermic exposure of PC-3 cells resulted in increased ROS production, as determined by aconitase inactivation, lipid peroxidation, and H2O2 formation with a reduction in cell survival. In contrast, PC-3 cells overexpressing MnSOD had less ROS production, less lipid peroxidation, and greater cell survival compared to PC-3 Wt cells. Since MnSOD removes superoxide, these results suggest that superoxide free radical or its reaction products are responsible for part of the cytotoxicity associated with hyperthermia and that MnSOD can reduce cellular injury and thereby enhance heat tolerance.

Detection of nitric oxide from pig trachea by a fluorescence method

A nitronyl nitroxide radical covalently linked to an organic fluorophore, pyrene, was used to detect nitric oxide (NO) from freshly excited tissues. This approach is based on the phenomenon of the intramolecular fluorescence quenching of the fluorophore fragment by the nitroxide. The pyrene-nitronyl (PN) reacts with NO to yield a pyrene-imino nitroxide radical (PI) and NO(2). Conversion of PN to PI is accompanied by changes in the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum from a five-line pattern (two equivalent N nuclei) into a seven-line pattern (two nonequivalent N nuclei). The transformation of the EPR signal is accompanied by an increase in the fluorescence intensity since the imino nitroxide radical is a weaker quencher than the nitronyl one. The results indicate that the fluorescence measurements enable detection of nanomolar concentrations of NO compared to a sensitivity threshold of only several micromolar for the EPR technique. The method was applied to the determination of NO and S-nitroso compounds in tissue from pig trachea epithelia. The measured basal flux of S-nitroso compounds obtained from the tissues was about 1.2 nmol/g x min, and NO-synthase stimulated by extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate produced NO flux of 0.9 nmol/g x min.

Spin trapping of nitric oxide with the iron-dithiocarbamate complex: chemistry and biology

This brief review describes chemical and biological aspects concerning spin trapping of nitric oxide (NO) with the iron-dithiocarbamate (Fe-DTC) complex as a spin trap. Knowledge on basic properties of the Fe-DTC complex would help in understanding the applicability and limitation of the Fe-DTC-based NO spin-trapping method when it is employed in viable biological systems.

Spin trapping of nitric oxide by aci anions of nitroalkanes

In alkaline solutions, nitroalkanes (RCH2NO2) undergo deprotonation and rearrange to an aci anion (RHC=NO2-), which may function as a spin trap. Using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, we have investigated suitability of aci anions of a series of nitroalkanes (CH3NO2, CH3CH2NO2, CH3(CH2)2NO2, and CH3(CH2)3NO2) to spin trap nitric oxide (*NO). Based on the observed EPR spectra, the general structure of the adducts, formed by addition of *NO to RHC=NO2-, was identified as nitronitroso dianion radicals of general formula [RC(NO)NO2]*2- in strong base (0.5 M NaOH), and as a mono-anion radical [RCH(NO)NO2]*- in alkaline buffers, pH 10-13. The hyperfine splitting on 14N in the -NO2 moiety (11.2-12.48 G) is distinctly different from the splitting on 14N in the -NO moiety of the adducts (5.23-6.5 G). The structure of the adducts was verified using 15N-labeled *NO, which produced radicals, in which triplet due to splitting on 14N (I = 1) in 14NO/aci nitro adducts was replaced by a doublet due to 15N (I = 1/2) in 15NO/aci nitro adducts. EPR spectra of aci nitromethane/NO adduct recorded in NaOH and NaOD (0.5 M) showed that the hydrogen at alpha-carbon can be exchanged for deuterium, consistent with structures of the adducts being [CH(NO)NO2]*2- and [CD(NO)NO2]*2-, respectively. These results indicate that nitroalkanes could potentially be used as prototypes for development of *NO-specific spin traps suitable for EPR analysis.

Quercetin-dependent reduction of salivary nitrite to nitric oxide under acidic conditions and interaction between quercetin and ascorbic acid during the reduction

A salivary component, nitrate, is reduced to nitrite in the oral cavity. Polyphenols in foods are mixed with nitrite in the saliva to be swallowed into the stomach. An objective of the present study is to elucidate reactions between a polyphenol quercetin and a nitrite under acidic conditions. Nitric oxide, which is formed by the reactions between nitrous acid and quercetin or ascorbic acid (AA), can be measured using an oxygen electrode in the saliva as well as a buffer solution. The initial oxidation of quercetin was inhibited by AA, and quercetin enhanced the oxidation of AA, suggesting AA-dependent reduction of quercetin radicals, which might be formed during the oxidation of quercetin by nitrous acid. On the basis of the above results, the usefulness of an oxygen electrode for the measurement of nitrite-dependent nitric oxide formation under acidic conditions is proposed and the possible mechanism of reduction of nitrous acid by quercetin and the interaction between quercetin and AA, which is a normal component in the gastric juice, for the reduction of nitrous acid is discussed.

Tobacco xenobiotics release nitric oxide

Many xenobiotic compounds exert their actions through the release of free radicals and related oxidants 12, bringing about unwanted biological effects 3. Indeed, oxidative events may play a significant role in tobacco toxicity from cigarette smoke. Here, we demonstrate the direct in vitro release of the free radical nitric oxide (*NO) from extracts and components of smokeless tobacco, including nicotine, nitrosonornicotine (NNN) and 4-(methyl-N-nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) in phosphate buffered saline and human saliva using electron spin resonance and chemiluminescence detection. Our findings suggest that tobacco xenobiotics represent as yet unrecognized sources of *NO in the body.

Oxygen uptake during the mixing of saliva with ascorbic acid under acidic conditions: possibility of its occurrence in the stomach

Human saliva, which contains nitrite, is normally mixed with gastric juice, which contains ascorbic acid (AA). When saliva was mixed with an acidic buffer in the presence of 0.1 mM AA, rapid nitric oxide formation and oxygen uptake were observed. The oxygen uptake was due to the oxidation of nitric oxide, which was formed by AA-dependent reduction of nitrite under acidic conditions, by molecular oxygen. A salivary component SCN(-) enhanced the nitric oxide formation and oxygen uptake by the AA/nitrite system. The oxygen uptake by the AA/nitrite/SCN(-) system was also observed in an acidic buffer solution. These results suggest that oxygen is normally taken up in the stomach when saliva and gastric juice are mixed.

Lactoferrin in the preterm infants' diet attenuates iron-induced oxidation products

Free radical injury is thought to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of several disease processes in low birth weight premature infants including retinopathy of prematurity and necrotizing enterocolitis. Because iron is a known catalyst in free radical-mediated oxidation reactions, the objectives of the present in vitro studies were to determine whether after exposure to air 1) iron present in infant formula, or that added to human milk or formula as medicinal iron or as iron contained in human milk fortifier, increases free radical and lipid peroxidation products; and 2) recombinant human lactoferrin added to formula or human milk attenuates iron-mediated free radical formation and lipid peroxidation. Before adding medicinal iron to formula and human milk, significantly more ascorbate and alpha-hydroxyethyl radical production and more lipid peroxidation products (i.e. thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, malondialdehyde, and ethane) were observed in formula. After the addition of medicinal iron to either formula or human milk, further increases were observed in free radical and lipid peroxidation products. When iron-containing human milk fortifier was added to human milk, free radicals also increased. In contrast, the addition of apo-recombinant human lactoferrin to formula or human milk decreased the levels of oxidative products when medicinal iron or human milk fortifier was present. We speculate that the presence of greater concentration of iron and the absence of lactoferrin in formula compared with human milk results in greater in vitro generation of free radicals and lipid peroxidation products. Whether iron-containing formula with lactoferrin administered enterally to preterm infants will result in less free radical generation in vivo has yet to be established.

The role of thiol and nitrosothiol compounds in the nitric oxide-forming reactions of the iron-N-methyl-d-glucamine dithiocarbamate complex

The object of the present study is to investigate whether the physiologically dominant thiol compounds such as GSH and cysteine or their nitrosothiol compounds affect the formation of the iron- N -methyl-D-glucamine dithiocarbamate [(MGD)(2)Fe(2+)]-nitric oxide complex. The present study provided experimental evidence that physiological concentrations of GSH (approx. 5 mM) and L-cysteine (approx. 0.5 mM) accelerated the formation of the (MGD)(2)Fe(2+)-NO complex from nitrite by two and three times respectively. The rate constants for the reduction of (MGD)(3)Fe(3+) to (MGD)(2)Fe(2+) by GSH and cysteine were calculated as 1.3 and 2.0x10(2) M(-1).s(-1) respectively. Furthermore, depletion of GSH was demonstrated in PC12 cells, and thiol compounds enhanced the formation of reactive oxygen species by the (MGD)(2)Fe(2+) complex by accelerating its redox turnover. The main effect of the physiological concentration of thiols was the reduction of (MGD)(3)Fe(3+). S -nitrosoglutathione spontaneously reacted with (MGD)(2)Fe(2+) to produce the (MGD)(2)Fe(2+)-NO complex with a 1:2 stoichiometry. In fact, (MGD)(2)Fe(2+) was as good an indicator of nitrosothiols as it was of NO itself. The present study elucidates the difficulties of utilizing the (MGD)(2)Fe(2+) complex for the quantification of NO in biological samples, especially in vivo.

Regulation and measurement of oxidative stress in apoptosis

Cells are constantly generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) during aerobic metabolism. As a consequence, each cell is equipped with an extensive antioxidant defence system to combat excessive production of ROS. Oxidative stress occurs in cells when the generation of ROS overwhelms the cell's natural antioxidant defences. There is a growing consensus that oxidative stress and the redox state of a cell plays a pivotal role in regulating apoptosis, a tightly controlled form of cell death in which a cell partakes in its own demise. More recently, a role for reactive nitrogen species (RNI) as both positive and negative regulators of cell death has been established. This review describes the major sources of ROS and RNI in a cell, the control of cell death by these species and the role of antioxidants as regulators of oxidative stress and apoptosis. Finally, the various methods that can be employed in establishing a role for both ROS and RNI in apoptosis will be discussed with particular emphasis on their intracellular detection.

Short-time non-enzymatic nitric oxide synthesis from L-arginine and hydrogen peroxide induced by shock waves treatment

The evidence that nitric oxide (NO) production is possible by a non-enzymatic pathway has already been shown under restrictive experimental conditions. Here we show that NO can non-enzymatically be formed with short-time kinetics (min), by 'bombing' with shock waves a solution containing 1 mM hydrogen peroxide and 10 mM L-arginine. This procedure is widening its medical application with surprisingly positive effects in tissue regeneration and our finding could be one of the first steps for the understanding of the biochemical responsible for these therapeutical effects.

Free radical scavenging activity of red ginseng aqueous extracts

This study was performed to investigate the free radical scavenging activity of Panax red ginseng C.A. Meyer aqueous extract on 1,1-dipheny-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), carbon-centered radical, hydroxyl and superoxide radicals using Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) spectrometer and spin-trapping techniques. Two different Red ginseng aqueous extracts prepared by boiling water or room temperature extraction exhibited no significant difference in free radical scavenging activity. Ginseng extracts completely eliminated DPPH radical at 2 mg/ml. About 0.5 mg/ml ginseng extracts quenched 80% carbon-centered free radicals generated from 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH). Hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical were generated by UV irradiation and trapped by 5,5-dimethyl-l-pyrroline-N oxide (DMPO). Ginseng extracts scavenged 40% of hydroxyl radical at 0.1 mg/ml. Two mg/ml ginseng extracts completely scavenged superoxide radical. Ginseng extracts did not scavenge nitric oxide. The ESR data demonstrate that red ginseng aqueous extract is not a strong free radical scavenger.

Comparing beta-carotene, vitamin E and nitric oxide as membrane antioxidants

Singlet oxygen initiates lipid peroxidation via a nonfree radical mechanism by reacting directly with unsaturated lipids to form lipid hydroperoxides (LOOHs). These LOOHs can initiate free radical chain reactions leading to membrane leakage and cell death. Here we compare the ability and mechanism by which three small-molecule membrane antioxidants (beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol and nitric oxide) inhibit lipid peroxidation in membranes. We demonstrate that beta-carotene provides protection against singlet oxygen-mediated lipid peroxidation, but does not slow free radical-mediated lipid peroxidation. Alpha-Tocopherol does not protect cells from singlet oxygen, but does inhibit free radical formation in cell membranes. Nitric oxide provides no direct protection against singlet oxygen exposure, but is an exceptional chain-breaking antioxidant as evident from its ability to blunt oxygen consumption during free radical-mediated lipid peroxidation. These three small-molecule antioxidants appear to have complementary mechanisms for the protection of cell membranes from detrimental oxidations.

Standardization of nitric oxide aqueous solutions by modified Saltzman method

Nitric oxide (NO) aqueous solutions were prepared by saturating pure NO gas and hydrolyzing 1 mM 1-hydroxy-2-oxo-3-(N-methyl-3-aminoethyl)-3-methyl-1-triazene (NOC-7), a NO donor, under anerobic conditions. The modified Saltzman method was employed for standardization of the NO aqueous solutions. NO and NO(2) in the solutions were driven with nitrogen gas stream into the first Saltzman solution to measure NO(2) and the leaked NO was driven with air stream through an oxidizing solution into the second Saltzman solution to measure NO, and NO(-)(2) and NO(-)(3) in the residual solutions were determined directly and after reduction with nitrate reductase, respectively. The concentrations of nitrogen oxide species in the NO solutions were about 1.8 mM NO/0.01 mM NO(2)/0.1 mM NO(-)(2)/0.1 mM NO(-)(3), and unchanged during keeping at 20 degrees C for 1 h under anerobic conditions but became 0.05 mM NO/0.01 mM NO(2)/1.7 mM NO(-)(2)/0.1 mM NO(-)(3) by keeping at 20 degrees C for 10 min under aerobic conditions. Instability of NO under aerobic conditions was supported by consumption of 1/4 equivalent amount of dissolved oxygen, and by loss of ability to convert 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (carboxy-PTIO) to carboxy-PTI. Simultaneous quantification of nitrogen oxide species by the modified Saltzman method was found to be useful for practical standardization of NO aqueous solutions.