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A Novel Inhalation Mask System to Deliver High Concentrations of Nitric Oxide Gas in Spontaneously Breathing Subjects

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Nitric oxide and the paranasal sinuses.

Jon O Lundberg¹

¹Karolinska Institutet, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Stockholm, Sweden. Jon.Lundberg@ki.se

Anatomical Record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007)

|October 28, 2008

Summary

Nitric oxide (NO) produced in the sinuses enhances airway defense and lung function. Low NO levels in conditions like primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) indicate disease susceptibility and diagnostic value.

Area of Science:

Otorhinolaryngology
Respiratory Physiology
Immunology

Background:

Sinus physiology has been redefined by the discovery of nitric oxide (NO) production in the paranasal sinuses.
The inducible NO synthase in healthy sinus epithelium continuously generates significant amounts of NO.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the ongoing investigation of sinus physiology focusing on NO production.
To explore the impact of NO discovery on basic science and clinical applications.

Main Methods:

Review of scientific literature on nitric oxide in paranasal sinuses.
Noninvasive measurement of NO in nasally exhaled breath.

Main Results:

Healthy paranasal sinuses generate substantial NO, a gaseous messenger with vasodilating and antimicrobial properties.

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Application of Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Nitric Oxide (NO•) Probes, the geNOps, for Real-time Imaging of NO• Signals in Single Cells

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NO enhances local host defense by inhibiting pathogen growth and stimulating mucociliary activity.

Low nasal NO concentrations are observed in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and cystic fibrosis, correlating with chronic sinusitis susceptibility.

Conclusions:

Nitric oxide plays a crucial role in sinus health and host defense.
Reduced NO generation is linked to chronic sinusitis in specific patient populations.
Nasal NO levels offer diagnostic value, particularly for primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD).
Inhaled NO from the sinuses acts as an 'aerocrine' hormone, potentially enhancing pulmonary oxygen uptake.