This handbook describes methods for the measurement and investigation of nitric oxide. The topics discussed include the metabolism of substrates and cofactors, the detection of nitrogen oxides, the detection of nitrogen oxide synthase activity, and the detection of adducts and reaction products.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas that transmits signals in an organism. Signal transmission by a gas that is produced by one cell and which penetrates through membranes and regulates the function of another cell represents an entirely new principle for signaling in biological systems. NO is a signal molecule of key importance for the cardiovascular system acting as a regulator of blood pressure and as a gatekeeper of blood flow to different organs. NO also exerts a series of other functions, such as acting a signal molecule in the nervous system and as a weapon against infections. NO is present in most living creatures and made by many different types of cells. NO research has led to new treatments for treating heart as well as lung diseases, shock, and impotence. Scientists are currently testing whether NO can be used to stop the growth of cancerous tumors, since the gas can induce programmed cell death, apoptosis. This book is the first comprehensive text on nitric oxide to cover all aspects--basic biology, chemistry, pathobiology, effects on various disease states, and therapeutic implications. - Edited by Nobel Laureate Louis J. Ignarro, editor of the Academic Press journal, Nitric Oxide - Authored by world experts on nitric oxide - Includes an overview of basic principles of biology and chemical biology - Covers principles of pathobiology, including the nervous system, cardiovascular function, pulmonary function, and immune defense

This book presents WHO guidelines for the protection of public health from risks due to a number of chemicals commonly present in indoor air. The substances considered in this review, i.e. benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, naphthalene, nitrogen dioxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (especially benzo[a]pyrene), radon, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene, have indoor sources, are known in respect of their hazardousness to health and are often found indoors in concentrations of health concern. The guidelines are targeted at public health professionals involved in preventing health risks of environmental exposures, as well as specialists and authorities involved in the design and use of buildings, indoor materials and products. They provide a scientific basis for legally enforceable standards.

A collection of cutting-edge techniques for measuring nitric oxide and the enzyme that produces it in biological tissues and fluids. These readily reproducible methods can be used to measure novel nitric oxide-related products such as protein nitration and nitrosation, as well as to express nitric oxide synthase in basic research and gene therapy using viral vectors.

This book covers the key features of nitric oxide (NO) in plants. Comprising nine chapters, Part I highlights its metabolism and identification in plants. Part II, which consists of eight chapters, focuses on the chemical, physical and biochemical properties of the NO molecule and its derivatives; on its functional role and mode of action; and on its signaling and interaction with phytohormones, mineral nutrients, biomolecules, ions and ion channels in plants under abiotic stresses. Combining the expertise of leading researchers in the field, the book provides a concise overview of plant NO biology and offers a valuable reference work.

This book will cover the full scope of nanobiosensing, which combines the newest research results in the cross-disciplines of chemistry, biology, and materials science with biosensing and bioanalysis to develop novel detection principles, sensing mechanisms, and device engineering methods. It not only covers the important types of nanomaterials for biosensing applications, including carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofiber, quantum dots, fullerenes, fluorescent and biological molecules, etc., but also illustrates a wide range of sensing principles, including electrochemical detection, fluorescence, chemiluminesence, antibody-antigen interactions, and magnetic detection. The book details novel developments in the methodology and devices of biosensing and bioanalysis combined with nanoscience and nanotechnology, as well as their applications in biomedicine and environmental monitoring. Furthermore, the reported works on the application and biofunction of nanoparticles have attracted extensive attention and interest, thus they are of particular interest to readers. The reader will obtain a rich survey of nanobiosensing technology, including the principles and application of biosensing, the design and biofunctionalization of bionanomaterials, as well as the methodology to develop biosensing devices and bioanalytical systems.

Nitric Oxide Donors: Biomedical Applications and Perspectives presents the current state of art, challenges and innovations in the design of therapeutics nitric oxide donors with great impact in several aspects of human physiology and pathophysiology. Although considerable innovative progress has been achieved using Nitric Oxide donors in biomedical applications, certain drawbacks still need to be overcome to successfully translate these research innovations into clinical applications. This book encompasses several topics on nitric oxide such as its sources and biological properties; its performance in the cardiovascular and neurologic systems, in the human skin and its application in the treatment of neglected diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. Additionally, it covers its role in inflammation and immunity, penile erection function, photodynamic therapy, antimicrobial activities. It also discusses the future of nitric oxide donors in combination with other therapeutic drugs, in implantable sensors, and nitric oxide releasing hydrogels and medical devices for topical applications. The book is a valuable source for researchers on different areas of biomedical field who are interested in the improvements that these molecules can make in the treatment of several conditions. - Provides background information about biology and chemistry of nitric oxide - Discusses the state-of-the-art in the design of nitric oxide releasing nanomaterials for biomedical applications - Covers the usage of nitric oxide donors in the treatment of several conditions, such as cancer, human skin, cardiovascular system, and immunity - Discusses the future of nitric oxide donors and their FDA approval

Radicals for Life: the Various Forms of Nitric Oxide provides an up-to-date overview of the role of nitrosocompounds and nitrosyl-iron complexes in physiology. Nitrosocompounds can be considered as stabilised forms of nitric oxide, one of the most important regulatory molecules in physiology today. Many nitrosocompounds share some of the physiological functions of nitric oxide, and may be formed inside living organisms. This is the first book to be published that is dedicated to the role of such nitrosocompounds in physiology, with particular emphasis on the nitrosocompounds that are endogenously formed in higher organisms and humans. Points of discussion include: physical and chemical properties of the compounds, the main chemical pathways in vivo, as well as the physiological effects that have been recognised to date. Each of the nineteen chapters is written by distinguished specialists in the field, well known for their original and important contributions to the subject. Also included are results from a wide range of studies in vitro, in cell cultures, animal models and human volunteers. Examples of alternative forms of nitric oxide, with special emphasis on their protective role against widespread human diseases like atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, sexual dysfunction, and renal insufficiency to stroke and ischemia are also included. - First monograph to consider and provide an overview of endogenous nitrosocompounds and nitrosyl-iron complexes - Extensive bibliographic references, written by specialists of human physiology - Providing high scientific quality with a focus on implications for human diseases

Handbook of Hormones: Comparative Endocrinology for Basic and Clinical Research collates fundamental information about the structure and function of hormones from basic biology to clinical use. The handbook offers a rapid way to obtain specific facts about the chemical and molecular characteristics of hormones, their receptors and signalling pathways, and the biological activities they regulate. The evolution of hormones and gene families is also covered both in the text and in online ancillaries. Users will find simple and visual ways to learn key molecular information. Chapters and online ancillary resources integrate additional sections, providing a comparative molecular, functional, and evolutionary consideration. - Provides the only single resource available with concise, yet informative descriptions of hormones in vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants - Presents hormones in groups according to their origin, so that readers can easily understand their inter-relation - Includes comparative information on the structures and functions of hormones enabling readers to understand both general and specific actions in and across species - Ancillary website hosts additional information, including sequence data, comparative data, figures, and tables