Figure 3From: Bench-to-bedside review: Microvascular dysfunction in sepsis –hemodynamics, oxygen transport, and nitric oxideThe red blood cell (RBC) as a deliverer and 'sensor' of oxygen (O2). By altering its conformation, hemoglobin facilitates the release of nitrosothiol (RSNO; nitric oxide [NO] derivative) or ATP in response to increased O2 tension (PO2) gradients or mechanical deformation. Both RSNO and ATP evoke vasodilation, with the latter being NO mediated.Back to article page