Methods and means of detecting nitric oxide synthase
AssigneeYale University
InventorsROBERT M. WEISS, WILLIAM C. SESSA, MARCIA A. WHEELER, SHANNON D. SMITH
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods for identifying and monitoring increased or decreased levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase in biological samples are provided. A collection device for detecting inducible nitric oxide synthase in biological samples is also provided. Detection of inducible nitric oxide synthase is useful in the diagnosis of inflammatory responses such as infections mediated by bacteria, yeast or viruses, transplant rejection, rheumatoid arthritis, interstitial cystitis and cancer.
Claims15
A method of identifying increased or decreased levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase in a biological sample comprising:
- (a) contacting a biological sample with a means of detecting inducible nitric oxide synthase in the biological sample;
- (b) detecting inducible nitric oxide synthase in the biological sample;
- and
- (c) comparing the amount of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the biological sample with an amount detected in a control sample or samples.
A method of monitoring levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase comprising:
- (a) collecting periodic biological samples from an individual to be monitored during the period of monitoring;
- (b) contacting the periodic samples with a means of detecting inducible nitric oxide synthase in a biological sample;
- (c) detecting inducible nitric oxide synthase in the periodic samples;
- and
- (d) determining any changes in levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the samples during the period of monitoring.
A method of diagnosing a disease or condition associated with increased or decreased levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase comprising:
- (a) collecting a biological sample from an individual suspected of having a disease or condition associated with increased or decreased levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase;
- (b) determining the amount of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the biological sample;
- and
- (c) comparing the amount of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the biological sample with an amount in a control sample or samples.
A collection device for detecting inducible nitric oxide synthase comprising a means for collecting a biological sample and a means for detecting inducible nitric oxide synthase which is incorporated into said collection means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.