Endogenous nitrogen oxides and bronchodilator S-nitrosothiols in human airways.

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.90.23.10957
• Publication Date: 2006-05-31T12:36:22Z
• Authors: B Gaston; J Reilly; J M Drazen; J Fackler; P Ramdev; D Arnelle; M E Mullins; D J Sugarbaker; C Chee; D J Singel; J Loscalzo; J S Stamler
• Keywords: Homeostasis

Recent discoveries suggesting essential bioactivities of nitric oxide (NO.) in the lung are difficult to reconcile with established pulmonary cytotoxicity this common air pollutant. These conflicting observations suggest that metabolic intermediaries may exist modulate bioactivity and toxicity NO.. We report S-nitrosothiols (RS-NO), predominantly adduct glutathione, present at nano- micromolar concentrations airways normal subjects their levels vary different human pathophysiologic states. endogenous RS-NO long-lived, potent relaxants under physiological O2 concentrations. Moreover, form high upon administration NO. gas. Nitrite (10-20 microM) is found airway lining fluid linearly proportional leukocyte counts, suggestive local metabolism. itself was not detected either free solution or complexes transition metals. provide insight into means by which packaged biological systems preserve its limit potential O2-dependent an important role for regulation luminal homeostasis.