title: Nitric oxide and the lung: an overview.
abstract: This brief discussion focuses on the effects of nitric oxide (NO) in the lung. A short introduction of some of the physical characteristics of the NO gas molecule and the endogenous production of NO by the vascular endothelium is addressed first. This is followed by a review of inhaled NO use as a bronchodilator of the airway and recent findings of the endogenous production of NO during positive end-expiratory pressure and the possible role of NO produced in the paranasal sinuses. Next, the use of inhaled NO for both pulmonary hypertension and improvement in oxygenation under a variety of clinical situations is discussed. Finally, some suggestions are given regarding the safe delivery of inhaled NO during clinical applications using a face mask, an anesthesia circuit, and a mechanical ventilator.
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Dept. of Anesthesia and Critical Care 02114, USA.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Head
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D009569:Nitric Oxide