Effect of acute nitrogen dioxide exposure on the prostacyclin synthesis in lung

The effect of acute nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure on prostacyclin synthesis in the rat lung was studied. Male Wistar rats were exposed to 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 ppm NO2 for 24 h. Dose-dependent decrease in prostacyclin-synthesizing activities of both homogenized and intact lung was observed. This decrease in prostacyclin synthesis following NO2 exposure may be related to formation of lipid peroxides due to NO2 exposure and to damage of pulmonary epithelial cells and endothelial cells by NO2 exposure.