Low-dose phosphodiesterase inhibition improves responsiveness to inhaled nitric oxide in isolated lungs from endotoxemic rats.

Background: Inhalation of nitric oxide (NO) and inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) selectively dilate the pulmonary circulation in patients with acute lung injury (ALI) associated with pulmonary hypertension. PDE5 inhibitors administered at doses that decrease pulmonary artery pressures have been shown to worsen arterial oxygenation. We investigated the efficacy of doses of PDE5 inhibitors that do not reduce pulmonary artery pressure alone (subthreshold doses) to improve the response to inhaled NO in an animal model of ALI.

[Case Report: complication after surgical discectomy].

Lesions to retroperitoneal blood vessels are rare but serious complications of surgical discectomies. Through ventral perforation during laminectomy life-threatening bleedings may occur if arteries are injured. We present a patient with haemorrhagic shock after disc surgery.

Importance of hypoxic vasoconstriction in maintaining oxygenation during acute lung injury.

Objective: To investigate the role of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in the intrapulmonary blood flow redistribution and gas exchange protection during oleic acid acute lung injury.

Design: Prospective, controlled animal study.

Setting: Research laboratory of an academic institution.