A bioassay for brassinosteroid activity based on the in vitro fluorimetric detection of nitric oxide production

Steroids. 2015 Oct:102:46-52. doi: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.07.003. Epub 2015 Jul 22.

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that low concentrations of brassinolide induce a rapid generation of nitric oxide in mesophyll cells of maize leaves, which can be easily detected by fluorimetric methods. In this work we describe a series of natural and synthetic brassinosteroids that are able to trigger in vitro NO production in tomato cells that exhibits dose-response behavior. We propose that this effect can be used to develop a new rapid and very sensitive bioassay for brassinosteroid activity that offers several advantages when compared to the current methodologies.

Keywords: Bioactivity assay; Brassinosteroids; Nitric oxide.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biological Assay / methods*
  • Brassinosteroids / analysis*
  • Fluorometry / methods*
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism*
  • Plant Cells / metabolism*
  • Plant Leaves / cytology
  • Plant Leaves / metabolism*
  • Steroids, Heterocyclic / analysis*
  • Zea mays / cytology
  • Zea mays / metabolism*

Substances

  • Brassinosteroids
  • Steroids, Heterocyclic
  • Nitric Oxide
  • brassinolide