Oxido nítrico en las enfermedades respiratorias / Nitric oxide in respiratory diseases

Recent reports have described a pathogenic role of nitric oxide in several reapiratory disease. It is specially useful in the adult respiratory distress syndrome, where it acts as a selective vasodilator and improves gas exchange, decreasing pulmonary shunting. Although it has a proven bronchodilator effect, its therapeutic role in diseases such as asthma and crhonic limitation of airway flow is not well defined. This article review the metabolism, mechanisms of action, potential uses and adverse effects of nitric oxide in respiratory disease