Elsevier

The Lancet

Volume 343, Issue 8896, 26 February 1994, Pages 518-519
The Lancet

Autoinhalation of nitric oxide after endogenous synthesis in nasopharynx

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(94)91465-6Get rights and content

Abstract

Exogenous nitric oxide (NO) reduces pulmonary vascular resistance after low-dose inhalation in patients. To estimate endogenous NO synthesis in the upper respiratory tract, we measured inhaled and exhaled NO in volunteers and patients during spontaneous or controlled ventilation, respectively. 20·3 nmol per min NO was synthesised in the nasopharnyx of non-smoking volunteers, leading to autoinhalation of 0·07-0·13 NO parts per million during inspiration; smokers had reduced NO synthesis. In volunteers, 50-70% of the NO was resorbed by the lungs; ventilated patients were deprived of NO autoinhalation. Bacteria in the nose may take part in endogenous NO synthesis.

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