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Updated: May 10, 2026

Chemiluminescence-based Assays for Detection of Nitric Oxide and its Derivatives from Autoxidation and Nitrosated Compounds
Published on: February 16, 2022
Nitric oxide deficiency and endothelial dysfunction in pulmonary arterial hypertension
James R Klinger1, Steven H Abman, Mark T Gladwin
11 Division of Pulmonary, Sleep, and Critical Care Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island.
Nitric oxide (NO) signaling is crucial in pulmonary circulation. Understanding NO
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Pulmonary Circulation Biology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) signaling significantly influences vascular tone and remodeling in the pulmonary circulation.
- Abnormalities in NO synthesis and signaling are observed in pulmonary hypertension (PH) models and human patients.
- The precise role of NO signaling alterations in PH pathogenesis remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the current understanding of altered nitric oxide (NO) signaling in pulmonary hypertensive diseases.
- To discuss the contribution of NO signaling alterations to the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension.
- To review current and investigational therapies targeting NO signaling for pulmonary hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on nitric oxide (NO) signaling in pulmonary vascular diseases.
- Analysis of data from animal models and human studies of pulmonary hypertension.
- Evaluation of the efficacy and limitations of NO-targeted therapies for pulmonary hypertension.
Main Results:
- Numerous abnormalities in NO synthesis and signaling are linked to pulmonary hypertension.
- It remains unclear whether these NO alterations are causative or reflective of the disease.
- Current therapies targeting NO signaling show variable efficacy in treating pulmonary hypertension.
Conclusions:
- Altered nitric oxide (NO) signaling is a significant feature of pulmonary hypertensive diseases.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the causal role of NO alterations in PH pathogenesis.
- NO-targeted therapies offer potential but require further development for effective PH reversal.
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