| abstract |
Individual thiols present in a biological sample are separated and identified using capillary electrophoresis. S-nitrosated and oxidized derivatives of thiols are also detected using capillary electrophoresis. In addition, capillary electrophoresis may be performed on samples which have been treated with an acid, so as to achieve a pH between 2.0 and 6.8, in order to further enhance detection. Separation and detection of S-nitrosated derivatives of thiols provides a means for monitoring the extent of a disease state associated with abnormal levels of nitric oxide. Such disease states include septic shock, cardiogenic shock, hypovolemic shock, atherosclerosis, hyperhomocysteinemia, venous thrombosis, arterial thrombosis, coronary occlusion, pulmonary embolism, cerebrovascular accidents, vascular fibrosis, ectopia lentis, osteoporosis, mental retardation, skeletal deformities, pulmonary hypertension, malignancy, infections and central nervous system disorders. |