PULMONARY-HYPERTENSION - NO THERAPY

Endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) is a powerful pulmonary vasodila tor which also prevents adhesion and aggregation of platelets, control s growth of smooth muscle, and influences the expression of growth pro moting and vasoactive substances. Impaired endothelial NO production c ontributes to pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular remodelling in s everal forms of pulmonary hypertension. Exogenous NO gas delivered via the airspaces is a selective pulmonary vasodilator now used as treatm ent in various lung disorders.