A simple micro assay for determination of nitric oxide species (NO_x) in the Serum of Japanese quail

Nitric oxide is aunique inorganic molecule that controls various vital physiological processes in the body. Nitrite and nitrate estimation is an indtreet method to monitor nitric oxide activity in the biological fluids. Majority of such methods are aimed at the mammalian species that are often not suitable for avian species. Therefore, the present study attempts to develop a simple and time saving micro assay for the determination of nitric oxide species in the Japanese quail. Cadmium-Copper alloy used in the present study has a significantly higher (P<0.01) conversion efficiency of nitrite to nitrate than the copper coated cadmium. Zinc acetate (6%) was used for deproteinization of the lerum after the nitrate reduction in the carbonate buffer. The sensitivity of this assay is 1–2 μ moles. The nitrite levels in the quail serum are not detectable while the nitrate plus values ranged from 17–50 μ moles/litre.