Abstract
Background and aims: 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.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 383-386 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Aging Clinical and Experimental Research |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 5-6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 2010 |
Keywords
- 400 Meter walk
- Acute exercise
- Nitric oxide
- Plasma nitrite
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Aging
- Geriatrics and Gerontology