Nitric Oxide OverviewNitric oxide has been identified as an important molecule with versatile roles in human physiology. The physiology of inhaled nitric oxide therapy is well documented in the medical literature and has been shown to include selective pulmonary vasodilation, bronchodilator and pulmonary surfactant activities. An understanding of these actions in the cardiovascular, pulmonary, immune, and nervous systems has revolutionized many fields of physiologic research and influenced clinical therapeutics. Hundreds of studies have been, and are being, conducted to determine the clinical utility of inhaled nitric oxide. The clinical effects of nitric oxide gas that have been reported include: - Cardio-pulmonary vasodilation (reducing pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vascular resistance)
- Reduction of right heart load
- Reduction of ischemia
- Reduction of hypoxemia
- Improvement of ventilation/perfusion matching
- Inhibition of platelet aggregation
- Anti-inflammatory
- Reduction of pulmonary edema
- Fungicidal, virocidal, and bactericidal
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