Paradoxical normoxia-dependent selective actions of inorganic nitrite in human muscular conduit arteries and related selective actions on central blood pressures.

Background: Inorganic nitrite dilates small resistance arterioles via hypoxia-facilitated reduction to vasodilating nitric oxide. The effects of nitrite in human conduit arteries have not been investigated. In contrast to nitrite, organic nitrates are established selective dilators of conduit arteries.