Advances in the understanding of nitric oxide as a biological mediator and
a therapeutic tool continue to accumulate at a rapid rate. This review prov
ides an update on recent developments pertinent to the role of nitric oxide
in adult lung disease. After a brief review of basic nitric oxide biochemi
stry and physiology, the evidence supporting the role of nitric oxide in th
e regulation of vascular and airway tone in the normal lung is considered.
Clinical studies addressing the pathophysiological role of nitric oxide in
pulmonary hypertension, airway disease, and lung injury are reviewed, and t
he application of inhaled nitric oxide therapy is discussed.