title: Plasma nitrite response in older women to a physical function test.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Nitric oxide (NO) may play a critical role in facilitating the delivery of blood to active skeletal muscle, ultimately impacting functional health in older adults. Plasma nitrite is a useful marker of vascular NO bioavailability. The aim of the current investigation was to examine the effect of a widely used physical function test on plasma nitrite concentrations in older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  Venous blood was drawn before, immediately following, and 10 minutes following the completion of a 400-m walk test. Blood samples were added to heparin and frozen for subsequent analysis of nitrite levels using chemiluminescence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty six (79±4 yrs) women participated in this study. Plasma nitrite levels decreased approximately 22% from baseline following a 400-m walk. Percent change in plasma nitrite was related to walking speed (r=-0.550, p=0.004).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data suggest an alteration in plasma nitrite concentration following a functional test which may impact functional health.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA. ddobros1@jhmi.edu
authors.forename: Devon A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Dobrosielski
authors.forename: Tennille
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Presley
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Perlegas
authors.forename: Anthony P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Marsh
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kim-Shapiro
authors.forename: W Jack
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Rejeski
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism; D009573:Nitrites / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D009573:Nitrites; D009569:Nitric Oxide