Role of SNO in septic RBC-mediated vasodilation. Vasorelaxant effects (A) and SNO concentrations (B) of septic RBCs as a function of incubation time in PBS at 25° C. Vasodilatory effects were determined by using 0.02 (2%) hematocrit concentration. A greater negative change in percentage of tension indicates a greater dilation response. Data represent mean ± SEM (n = 3). *P ≤ .05 versus control.