Nitric Oxide in Pulmonary Processes: Role in Physiology and Pathophysiology of Lung Disease (Respiratory Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy)

Nitric oxide is an endogenously produced gas with a wide range of biological effects and has been implicated in many physiological and pathophysiological processes. It is released by many cell types in various organs but is particularly important in the maintenance of normal lung function. Nitric oxide in exhaled breath has been identified as a marker for lung disease in some patients. Thus, it is appropriate to consider the lung separately for the role and functioning of nitric oxide. The authors identify key areas in the history, biochemistry, physiology, pathophysiology, immunology and clinical applications of nitric oxide in the lung. The contents of this book will be of particular importance to scientists and clinicians with an interest in lung disease. Moreover, the authors encompass state of the art opinions of and rational for the therapeutic potential of nitric oxide and its inhibitors. Front Matter....Pages I-IX Front Matter....Pages 1-1 Nitric Oxide Synthesis and Actions....Pages 3-20 Reactive Oxygen and Reactive Nitrogen Species in the Lung....Pages 21-38 Front Matter....Pages 39-39 Non-Adrenergic Non-Cholinergic Neurotransmission in the Airways: Role of Nitric Oxide....Pages 41-70 Localisation of Nitric Oxide Synthases in the Lung....Pages 71-88 Role of Nitric Oxide in the Regulation of Pulmonary Vascular Tone....Pages 89-110 Nitric Oxide and Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness....Pages 111-126 Bronchodilator Actions of Nitric Oxide and Related Compounds....Pages 127-149 Role of Nitric Oxide in Airway Inflammation....Pages 151-164 Front Matter....Pages 165-165 Nitric Oxide in Exhaled Air: Relevance in Inflammatory Lung Disease....Pages 167-183 Luminal Nitric Oxide in the Upper Airways: Implications for Local and Distal Sites of Action....Pages 185-199 Inhaled Nitric Oxide as a Therapy for Diseases of the Pulmonary Vasculature....Pages 201-208 Combined Use of Nitric Oxide and Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitors as a Possible Therapeutic Approach....Pages 209-225 Back Matter....Pages 227-230 In this text the authors have identified key areas in the history, biochemistry, physiology, pathophysiology, immunology and clinical applications of nitric oxide in the lung.