Figure 1.

The broad biological activity of the nitrite anion. Nitrite levels in blood reflect NO production from endothelial NO synthase enzymes. Furthermore, nitrite contributes to blood flow regulation by reaction with deoxygenated hemoglobin and tissue heme proteins to form NO. In the stomach, NO is formed from acidic reduction of nitrite and increases mucous barrier thickness and gastric blood flow. Finally, the reaction of nitrite to form NO and iron-nitrosyl-myoglobin forms the basis of meat curing. sGC, soluble guanylyl cyclase.