[Frontiers in Bioscience S2, 18-29, January 1, 2010]

The role of nitric oxide and reactive nitrogen species in experimental ARDS

Sebastian Rehberg, Marc O. Maybauer, Dirk M. Maybauer, Lillian D. Traber, Perenlei Enkhbaatar, Daniel L. Traber

Department of Anesthesiology, Investigational Intensive Care Unit, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77555-0833, USA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Large animal models of ALI and ARDS
4. Role of nitric oxide in the pathogenesis of ARDS
5. Therapeutic implications based on the experimental data
5. Conclusions
6. References

1. ABSTRACT

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with a mortality ranging between 40 - 80%. An effective drug therapy, however, is still missing. Many experimental models of ARDS exist enabling a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and allowing the establishment of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of patients suffering ARDS. Nitric oxide (NO) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are increasingly regarded as key substances within the development of ARDS. However, the definite pathomechanism is not completely understood. The purpose of this article is to review the latest results of experimental studies in reference to the role of NO and RNS in the pathogenesis of ARDS. In addition, current large animal models of ARDS are described and future therapeutic approaches are discussed.