[Nitric oxide in the lower respiratory tract]

The aim of this work is to review of the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the lower respiratory tract. This review mainly focuses on the generation of nitric oxide by alveolar macrophages. In the first part of the paper, we summarize the literature on nitric oxide synthesis by different cell types and the effects of this mediator on target cells. Methods for measuring nitric oxide are also analyzed. The core of the paper is a review of the role of nitric oxide in diffuse interstitial lung diseases (both human and experimental models). We include data about the concentration of this mediator in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and then summarize the knowledge about the regulation of nitric oxide synthesis by animal or human alveolar macrophages. Finally, we review the biological effects of nitric oxide in the lower respiratory tract.