A simplified method for the determination of nitric oxide in biological solutions.

A new simplified procedure for determination of nitric oxide (NO) in biological solutions is described utilizing a new reducing system of nitric oxide prior to chemiluminescence. Advantages of the new method makes heating of the reducing solution unnecessary and avoids cooling and condensation of generated vapors. Only traces of acid with a high boiling point are used. The method permits analysis of small sample volumes (200 microL). The basal production of nitric oxide by freshly harvested endothelial cells ranged from 100 to 880 picomoles.