Contribution of membrane permeability and unstirred layer diffusion to nitric oxide-red blood cell interaction

► We developed a model of nitric oxide (NO) transport to a red blood cell (RBC). ► Effect of diffusion transport resistances on NO-RBC interaction was analysed. ► Intracellular diffusion of NO does not affect NO-RBC interaction. ► Membrane transport resistance is dominant if membrane permeability (Pm)<0.21 cm s−1. ► Extracellular diffusion transport resistance is dominant if Pm>0.44 cm s−1.