Gabriela Bugová, Barbora Uhliarová, Anna Šujanská, Miloš Jeseňák, Andrej Hajtman
Recently, levels of nitric oxide (NO), an important indicator of airway inflammation, are evaluated in exhaled air.
In the respiratory system, NO acts as a neurotransmitter of nonarenergic non-cholinergic mediation and significantly
participates in the regulation of physiological functions. NO has the ability to diffuse freely and quickly through the memranes
of cells and influence the cellular elements, regardless of the anatomical connections. Nitric oxide diffuses into
the lumen of the respiratory system and subsequently can be measured by sensitive detector.
The importance of measurements of NO levels has been confirmed in the diagnosis as well as management of patients
with bronchial asthma. Nowadays, attention is focused on the determination of nasal nitric oxide (nNO). Changes
in levels of nNO may indicate an obstruction of the upper airway, as well as inflammation. Evaluation of nNO is not standardized
and its clinical significance and possible application in clinical practice have not been determinated.
The review summarizes the current knowledge on the presence and the role of NO in respiratory system.