Generation of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide during interaction of nitrite with human hemoglobin.

Generation of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide during interaction of nitrite with human hemoglobin was detected by chemiluminescence of luminol. Luminol chemiluminescence was inhibited by the addition of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Methemoglobin formation induced by nitrite was also inhibited by the addition of SOD and catalase. The mechanism of methemoglobin formation by nitrite was discussed in regard to the oxidation of hemoglobin by superoxide and hydrogen peroxide as generated by the interaction of nitrite with hemoglobin.