A cell-based nitric oxide reporter assay useful for the identification and characterization of modulators of the nitric oxide/guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate pathway.

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in protection against the onset and progression of various cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, the NO/guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) pathway has gained considerable attention and has become a target for new drug development. We have established a rapid, homogeneous, cell-based, and highly sensitive reporter assay for NO generated by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS).