Nitric Oxide (NO) is a free radical, a gas, and a pluripotent product of mammalian cells. Only a few years ago, scientific discussions of NO were largely held in the context of the chemistry of air pollution. Now, however, the great significance of NO as a signalling and cytotoxic molecule has captured the attention of the biomedical community. This book provides a very up-to-date review of the role of NO in sepsis and ARDS. Consideration is given to NO both as a pathophysiologic mediator as well as a therapeutic agent. An internationally recognized group of scientists and clinicians have contributed chapters dealing with cutting-edge science and practical clinical strategies. Numerous tables and charts have been included to aid the reader in understanding this fascinating and important subject.

Inhalt
Biochemistry of Nitric Oxide and Regulation of Gene Expression.- Biosynthesis of Nitric Oxide: An Overview.- Biochemistry and Synthesis of NO in Sepsis.- Effect of Hypoxia on Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) in Renal Mesangial Cells.- Vascular Smooth Muscle Function under Conditions of Sepsis and Endotoxemia.- Nitric Oxide as a Mediator in Gram-Positive Sepsis.- Effects of Nitric Oxide on various Cell Types and Organs.- Nitric Oxide and the Heart in Sepsis.- Influence of Nitric Oxide on Cardiac Systolic and Diastolic Function.- Cellular Actions of Nitric Oxide on the Circulatory System.- Role of Nitric Oxide in Cerebral Ischemia.- Platelet Regulation and Damage in Vascular Thrombotic and Septic Disorders.- Nitric Oxide as a Mediator of Hypotension and Inflammation in Sepsis.- Effect of Nitric Oxide on Intestinal Epithelial Structure and Function.- Nitric Oxide in Shock.- Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity in Circulatory Shock: Friend or Foe?.- Use of Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitors to reverse Hyperdynamic Circulation and MOF.- Cardiovascular Alterations associated with Interleukin-2 Therapy.- Blocking the Effects of Nitric Oxide in Septic Shock.- Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Production in Clinical Septic Shock.- Nitric Oxide and the Lung.- Role of Nitric Oxide in Pulmonary Vascular Dysfunction.- Endogenous Nitric Oxide Formation in the Respiratory System.- Pulmonary Vascular Regulation by Endogenous Nitric Oxide.- Nitric Oxide Inhalation in RDS and ARDS.- Inhaled Nitric Oxide: A Review.- Monitoring and Safety of Inhaled Nitric Oxide.- Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn.- Almitrine and Inhaled Nitric Oxide in Acute Respiratory Failure.- Nitric Oxide Inhalation in ARDS.- Inhaled Nitric Oxide: The Light and Shadow of a Therapeutic Breakthrough.