Visible photolysis and amperometric detection of S-nitrosothiols

Anal Chem. 2012 Jan 17;84(2):851-6. doi: 10.1021/ac2031805. Epub 2011 Dec 27.

Abstract

The concentration of S-nitrosothiols (RSNOs), endogenous transporters of the signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO), fluctuate greatly in physiology often as a function of disease state. RSNOs may be measured indirectly by cleaving the S-N bond and monitoring the liberated NO. While ultraviolet photolysis and reductive-based cleavage both decompose RSNOs to NO, poor selectivity and the need for additional reagents preclude their utility clinically. Herein, we report the coupling of visible photolysis (i.e., 500-550 nm) and amperometric NO detection to quantify RSNOs with greater selectivity and sensitivity. Enhanced sensitivity (up to 1.56 nA μM(-1)) and lowered theoretical detection limits (down to 30 nM) were achieved for low molecular weight RSNOs (i.e., S-nitrosoglutathione, S-nitrosocysteine) by tuning the irradiation exposure. Detection of nitrosated proteins (i.e., S-nitrosoalbumin) was also possible, albeit at a decreased sensitivity (0.11 nA μM(-1)). This detection scheme was used to measure RSNOs in plasma and illustrate the potential of this method for future physiological studies.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cysteine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Cysteine / analysis
  • Cysteine / blood
  • Electrochemistry*
  • Nitric Oxide / chemistry*
  • Nitroso Compounds / analysis*
  • Nitroso Compounds / blood
  • Photolysis*
  • S-Nitrosoglutathione / analysis*
  • S-Nitrosoglutathione / blood
  • S-Nitrosothiols / analysis*
  • S-Nitrosothiols / blood
  • Serum Albumin, Bovine / analysis*
  • Swine

Substances

  • Nitroso Compounds
  • S-Nitrosothiols
  • S-nitrosoalbumin
  • Serum Albumin, Bovine
  • Nitric Oxide
  • S-Nitrosoglutathione
  • S-nitrosocysteine
  • Cysteine