The supposedly inert end products of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) metabolism — nitrate and nitrite — have recently been shown to be an important alternative source of NO, complementing the classical NO-synthase pathway. Lundberg and colleagues discuss the emerging role of the nitrate–nitrite–NO pathway, highlighting the therapeutic potential of nitrate and nitrite in various disorders, including myocardial infarction, stroke, systemic and pulmonary hypertension, and gastric ulceration.
- Jon O. Lundberg
- Eddie Weitzberg
- Mark T. Gladwin
