Vitamin C in the prevention of nitrate tolerance.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of vitamin C in preventing the development of nitrate tolerance.


METHODS
A MEDLINE search (from 1966 to July 2000) was conducted to identify relevant articles, with additional references obtained from the bibliographies of these articles.


RESULTS
One possible mechanism of nitrate tolerance involves superoxide-induced deactivation of nitric oxide, providing the rationale for the use of antioxidants. Most published research concerning deactivation of nitric oxide has involved vitamin C; a summary of this information is presented here.


CONCLUSIONS
Preliminary studies seem to support the role of vitamin C in attenuating the development of nitrate tolerance. Considering these findings, larger, long-term trials are necessary to further establish the role of vitamin C in this situation.
Daniel
T A
TA
College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque 87131, USA.
Nawarskas
J J
JJ
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D009566:Nitrates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000494:pharmacology; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology
D000975:Antioxidants; D009566:Nitrates; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D005996:Nitroglycerin; D001205:Ascorbic Acid