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Abstract

The present invention describes rapid noninvasive methods for measuring vasodilation or changes in blood flow in a patient following administration of at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide, elevates endogenous levels of endothelium-derived relaxing factor, stimulates endogenous synthesis of nitric oxide or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase and/or at least one vasoactive agent. The method comprises the administration of at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide, elevates endogenous levels of endothelium-derived relaxing factor, stimulates endogenous synthesis of nitric oxide or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase and/or at least one vasoactive agent to the patient followed by monitoring the temperature change of an area of interest using infrared thermography. The present invention provides methods for diagnosing diseases or disorders related to vasodilation and changes in blood flow, such as, sexual dysfunction, Raynaud's syndrome, inflammation, hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders and central nervous system disorders. The sexual dysfunction is preferably female sexual dysfunction and female sexual arousal. The vasoactive agents include potassium channel activators, calcium channel blockers, .alpha.-adrenergic receptor antagonists, .beta.-blockers, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, adenosine, ergot alkaloids, vasoactive intestinal peptides, prostaglandins, dopamine agonists, opioid antagonists, endothelin antagonists and thromboxane inhibitors. The present invention can also be used to screen and identify drug candidates for treating diseases, disorders and conditions resulting from vasodilation or changes in blood flow. The present invention also describes compositions comprising at least one S-nitrosothiol compound for diagnosing, monitoring and/or treating female sexual dysfunctions.

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First Claim