THE THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF NITRIC-OXIDE IN LUNG TRANSPLANTATION

Endogenously produced oxides of nitrogen appear to play important role s in tissue and organ homeostasis. Endogenous production of nitric oxi de, which can be altered in response to various stimuli, can modulate vascular tone, oxyradical cascades, cell adhesion, and other aspects o f inflammation. Because exogenously administered (inhaled) nitric oxid e can mediate pulmonary vasodilatation and improve pulmonary function in some patients with lung injury, treatment df lung allograft recipie nts with inhaled nitric oxide may ameliorate ischemia-reperfusion inju ry, thereby improving perioperative pulmonary function and diminishing ventilatory support requirements. This review examines the biology of nitric oxide and present data that support its potential therapeutic effects for lung transplant recipients.