Objective — to reveal a protective role of the nitrite/nitrate reductase system in NO- synthase (NOS) inhibition in ischemic stroke. Material and methods. An effect of the non-selective NOS inhibitor Nω-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) introduced in dose of 25 mg/kg and nitrates (КNO3, NaNO3, Mg(NO3)2, Ca(NO3) in doses of 5 mg/kg) on ischemic stroke induced by the occlusion of carotid arteries in an experimental model was studied. The animals (Wistar rats) were stratified into 20 experimental groups (n=480) and 4 control groups (n=96). One of nitrates or L-NNA along with one of nitrates or L-NNA alone were administered to experimental groups 1h before brain ischemia or 5s after carotid artery occlusion. 0.9% NaCl was used in the control rats. Results. L-NNA increases neurological deficit and lethality in brain ischemia. Depending on a cation, the nitrite/nitrate reductase system may play a protective role in the inhibition of NOS-system in brain ischemia. Conclusion. In brain ischemia and NOS inhibition, Mg(NO3)2 has the greatest protective effect.