To ascertain the possible role of nitric oxide (NO) as risk factor for cerebral ischemia, we studied the serum levels of nitrate (oxidation product that provides an indirect estimation of NO), in 49 patients between the 3rd and 7th days after a cerebral ischemic event (TIAs, RIND and cerebral infarction) and in 65 matched controls. The serum levels of nitrate did not differ significantly between cerebral ischemic patient and control groups (42.6 ± 334 and 44.8 ± 2.67 ± μmol/l, respectively). They were not influenced by age, blood pressure, or smoking and alcohol-drinking habits. These results suggest that serum levels of nitrate are apparently unrelated to the risk for cerebral ischemia.
1995 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.