Nasal and oral nitric oxide levels during experimental respiratory syncytial virus infection of adults.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a recognized mediator of inflammation in diseases affecting the lower respiratory tract, and has been implicated in the expression of viral upper respiratory tract infections. Here, exhaled nasal and oral NO concentrations and nitrite concentrations in nasal lavage fluids were measured, symptoms were scored and pulmonary function was evaluated before (Day 0) and after (Days 1-8) experimental exposure of 17 adult subjects to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) type B. After exposure, RSV was recovered from 12 (70%) subjects by culture and/or specific antigen detection.