Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by chronic airway infection and infla
mmation, which accounts for
most
morbidity and
deaths. Exhaled nitric oxi
de (NO), elevated in
most infla
mmatory lung diseases, is
decreased in CF, suggesting
decreased for
mation, increased
metabolis
m or loss of NO. The nitrogen oxi
de metabolis
m in CF airways is co
mplex and not yet fully un
derstood.
In this article we will summarize current understanding of the origin and function of NO in (patho)physiological processes in the lung of normal subjects and CF patients, possible explanations for and consequences of reduced NO concentrations in CF and possible therapetic strategies for treatment of CF patients.