[Inhibitors of nitrite oxidation of hemoglobin].

The effects of sodium benzoate, ascorbic acid and cystein on the kinetics of oxidation of oxyhemoglobin in the presence of sodium nitrite were studied. It was shown that sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid suppress nitrite methemoglobin formation more intensively than cystein. Both compounds can also inhibit nitrite oxidation of intraerythrocyte hemoglobin. Possible mechanisms underlying the inhibiting effects of sodium benzoate, ascorbic acid and cystein are discussed.