Prevention of Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Accumulation of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Rat Lung by Preconditioning With Nitric Oxide

The early rise of MMP-2 and MMP-7 in BALF resulted from plasma protein extravasation, whereas MMP-9 and NE were imported into lung tissue via leukocyte invasion. The effect of NO inhalation on lavagable MMPs was secondary to the sealing of the permeability barrier.