Amyl Nitrite and Kaposi's Sarcoma in Homosexual Men

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Abstract
To the Editor: The increased rate of Kaposi's sarcoma among young homosexual men in the United States and Denmark has drawn considerable attention to the prevalent use of organic nitrites as a sexual stimulant1 and as a relaxation reagent for the smooth muscle of the rectum and the internal anal sphincter to facilitate anal intercourse.2 This letter will focus on the chemistry of volatile nitrites, which can act as nitrosation reagents, and on the fact that carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds can be formed by organic nitrites in the human body. A recent study3 showed that organic nitrites (especially amyl nitrate . . .

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