Automated assay for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+))

Sulfur mustard (HD), a vesicating chemical warfare compound, has been shown to deplete the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) content in sever al cell systems and tissues. This NAD(+) depletion has been proposed as an indicator of Ho exposure and can be used to evaluate potential antivesicant compounds, To examine NAD(+) levels, an automated method based on the alco hol dehydrogenase cycling assay of Jacobson and Jacobson and utilizing a Co bas FARA clinical analyzer has been developed. Automation of this assay led to smaller sample volumes and more efficient use of personnel and resource s, The usefulness of this automated method was tested by evaluating the pro tection, if any, by the topical application of vitamin D or betamethasone a gainst HD-induced NAD(+) depletion in skin punches from the hairless guinea pig. The results showed that the samples exposed to Ho exhibited significa nt decreases in NAD(+) levels when compared with controls. However, neither vitamin D nor betamethasone demonstrated protection against HD-induced NAD (+) depletion. In fact, betamethasone exacerbated the NAD(+) depletion when compared with the HD exposed group. This assay appears to be useful for te sting potential antivesicant compounds using both in vivo and in vitro expo sure systems. Published in 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.