Research Projects
Project at a Glance
Title: The fate of nitric oxide in the mammalian system using N15 as tracer and isotopic diluent
Principal Investigator / Author(s): Freeman, Gustave
Contractor: Stanford Research Institute
Contract Number: ARB 2-291
Research Program Area: Health & Exposure
Topic Areas: Health Effects of Air Pollution
Abstract:
During the past year the general fate of nitric oxide (NO) in the mammalian system and the metabolism of the NO-hemoglobin complex were investigated using the non-radioactive nitrogen isotope, N15, as an analytical and epidemiological tool.
Using rats, we demonstrated that (1) NO binds preferentially to erythrocytes, (2) the biological half-life of hemoglobin-bound NO is about one-quarter of an hour, (3) the diffusion rate of nitric oxide across the red cell membrane is rapid and (4) high concentrations of NO introduced into the circulating blood can be tolerated by the rat.
In studies of human blood, we demonstrated the presence of a low but measurable concentration of NO-hemoglobin complex that was independent of the smoking histories of the donors.
This report was submitted in fulfillment of SRI Project LSH-2189 and Contract ARB 2-291 by Stanford Research Institute under the sponsor- ship of the California Air Resources Board. Work was completed as of September 14, 1973.
For questions regarding research reports, contact: Heather Choi at (916) 322-3893
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