Skeletal Muscle Nitrate as a Regulator of Systemic Nitric Oxide Homeostasis.

ABSTRACT Non-enzymatic nitric oxide (NO) generation via the reduction of nitrate and nitrite ions, along with remarkably high levels of nitrate ions in skeletal muscle, have been recently described. Skeletal muscle nitrate storage may be critical for maintenance of NO homeostasis in healthy ageing and nitrate supplementation may be useful for treatment of specific pathophysiologies as well as enhancing normal functions.