inferior in sensitivity to the index of the number of
somatic cells (normal, up to 200000/ml [7]) and mas
tidin test. It need be pointed out that the occurrence of
nitrite is accompanied by a decrease in RSNO con
tent, right down to its disappearance (Table 2). This
possibly occurs under the effect of reactive oxygen spe
cies, the generation of which is activated in the pres
ence of inflammation [10]. Nitrite can also be pro
duced by leukocytes [3].