Pharmaceutical Analogs
Nitroglycerin, amyl nitrite, "poppers" (isobutyl nitrite or similar), and other nitrite derivatives are used in the treatment of heart disease: The compounds are converted to nitric oxide (by a process that is not completely understood), which in turn dilates the coronary artery (blood vessels around the heart), thereby increasing its blood supply. These drugs, however, are predominantly venodilators, dilating peripheral veins and hence reducing venous return and preload to the heart. This reduces the oxygen requirement of the myocardium and subsequently lessens the anginal pain felt with myocardial ischemia.
Read more about this topic: Biological Functions Of Nitric Oxide