The reaction between hemoglobin (Hb) and NO* has been investigated thoroughly in recent years, but its mechanism is still a matter of substantial controversy. We have carried out a systematic study of the influence of the following factors on the yield of S-nitrosohemoglobin (SNO-Hb) generated from the reaction of NO* with oxy-, deoxy-, and metHb: 1) the volumetric ratio of the protein and the ...

RBCs distribute oxygen to tissues, but, paradoxically, blood transfusion does not always improve oxygen delivery and is associated with ischemic events. We hypothesized that storage of blood would result in loss of NO bioactivity, impairing RBC vasodilation and thus compromising blood flow, and that repleting NO bioactivity would restore RBC function. We report that S-nitrosohemoglobin (SNO-Hb)...