Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026
05:46
A Novel Inhalation Mask System to Deliver High Concentrations of Nitric Oxide Gas in Spontaneously Breathing Subjects
Published on: May 4, 2021
Diaphragmatic nitric oxide synthase is not induced during mechanical ventilation
Darin Van Gammeren1, Darin J Falk, Melissa A Deering
1Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, Center for Exercise Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|August 26, 2006
Summary
Mechanical ventilation causes diaphragmatic oxidative stress, but not through increased nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity. This study found no evidence of elevated NOS pathways contributing to diaphragm injury during mechanical ventilation.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Mechanical ventilation (MV) is linked to diaphragmatic oxidative stress, leading to atrophy and dysfunction.
- The specific pathways causing oxidant production in the diaphragm during MV are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if diaphragmatic nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity increases during MV.
- To determine if elevated NOS activity leads to protein nitration in the diaphragm.
Main Methods:
- Rats underwent 18 hours of mechanical ventilation or served as controls.
- Measured protein levels of endothelial NOS, inducible NOS, and neuronal NOS.
- Assessed 3-nitrotyrosine, S-nitrosothiols, nitrates, nitrites, and reduced glutathione (GSH) in diaphragms.
Main Results:
- Mechanical ventilation did not increase diaphragmatic protein levels of endothelial NOS or neuronal NOS.
- Inducible NOS was undetectable. No increase in 3-nitrotyrosine, S-nitrosothiols, nitrates, or nitrites was observed.
- Prolonged MV significantly reduced diaphragmatic GSH levels, indicating oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- Mechanical ventilation-induced diaphragmatic oxidative stress does not stem from increased nitric oxide production via NOS pathways.
- The findings suggest alternative mechanisms are responsible for diaphragm injury during mechanical ventilation.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
Nitric oxide (NO), an inorganic gas, acts as a potent second messenger in most animal and plant tissues. NO diffuses out of the cells that produce it and enters the neighboring cells to generate a downstream response. NO synthase (NOS) catalyzes NO production by the deamination of the amino acid arginine. There are three isoforms of NOS. Endothelial cells have endothelial NOS (eNOS), nerve and muscle cells have neuronal NOS (nNOS), and macrophages produce inducible NOS (iNOS) upon exposure to...
01:23Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) are essential methods in respiratory care. These ventilation techniques offer unique benefits for patients with various respiratory conditions, providing adequate support without requiring intubation. Let's explore how each method is crucial in improving patient outcomes and enhancing respiratory therapy.
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
01:29Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving technique for managing acute respiratory failure and other respiratory complications. The process involves using a machine known as a ventilator to supply oxygen to the lungs and assist in removing carbon dioxide. It serves as a bridge to long-term mechanical ventilation or a temporary measure until ventilatory support is discontinued. The ventilator can maintain this function for a prolonged period, providing critical support for patients until they can...
01:23Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Ventilators are essential medical equipment used to aid patients with respiratory difficulties. Their primary function is to assist or replace spontaneous breathing by providing mechanical ventilation. There are two general classes of mechanical ventilators: negative-pressure and positive-pressure ventilators.
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
01:21Acute Respiratory Failure-II
Type I Respiratory Failure, or hypoxemic respiratory failure, occurs when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in arterial blood falls below 60 mmHg while breathing room air without a corresponding increase in arterial carbon dioxide levels (PaCO2). This condition highlights a significant impairment in the lungs' capacity to oxygenate the blood.
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
01:23Physiological Control of Respiration
Introduction
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...