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Review Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985) 2009

Two faces of nitric oxide: implications for cellular mechanisms of oxygen toxicity.

Allen BW, Demchenko IT, Piantadosi CA — Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 2009

Tier 2, Indexed

Automatically imported from PubMed based on relevance criteria.

Summary

What Researchers Did

This review article investigated the diverse roles of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, particularly nitric oxide, in both causing and defending against oxygen toxicity.

What They Found

Researchers found that the anatomical localization of nitric oxide (NO) release, influenced by normobaric or hyperbaric oxygen exposure, strongly determines the emergence and form of oxygen toxicity, such as acute lung injury or central nervous system excitation. Spatial effects also contribute to varying susceptibility of cells in organs like the brain and lungs to hyperoxia.

Canadian Relevance

This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was not conducted in Canada or by Canadian researchers.

Study Limitations

As a review, this study synthesizes existing knowledge, highlighting areas where further experimental research is needed to fully elucidate the complex mechanisms of nitric oxide in oxygen toxicity.

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Study Details

Study Type Review
Category Decompression Sickness
Source Pubmed
PubMed ID 18845774
Year Published 2009
Journal Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
MeSH Terms Acute Lung Injury; Animals; Antioxidants; Blood Vessels; Brain; Cerebrovascular Circulation; Diving; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Hyperoxia; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I; Oxidative Stress; Oxygen; Peroxynitrous Acid

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Disclaimer: This study summary is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information presented reflects the findings of the original research authors and may not represent the views of Canada Hyperbarics. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.

Last reviewed: April 2, 2026 | Reviewed by: Canada Hyperbarics Editorial Team | Editorial process | Research sources | Counts & methodology