Effect of sodium nitrite on local control of contracting skeletal muscle microvascular oxygen pressure in healthy rats

Abstract

Ischemic conditions as diverse as chronic heart failure (CHF) and frostbite inflict tissue damage via inadequate O₂ delivery. Herein we demonstrate that direct application of sodium nitrite enhances the O₂ supply-O₂ demand relationship, raising microvascular O₂ pressure in healthy skeletal muscle. This therapeutic action of nitrite-derived nitric oxide occurred without inducing systemic hypotension and has the potential to relieve focal ischemia and preserve tissue vitality by enhancing O₂ delivery.