Inhaled nitric oxide improves the survival of the paraquat-injured rats

The 72-h survival rate of PQ group was 58%, but the survival rate of PQ+NO group, NO group and control group were 100%, respectively. The serum MDA and TGF-β1 in BAL fluid and blood of PQ+NO group were significantly lower than those of PQ group. However, inhaled NO did not decrease the elevated total WBC and neutrophil counts, and total protein, LDH and MPO activity in the lung injured by PQ. The alveolar septal thickening and inflammatory cell infiltration were not different between PQ and PQ+NO groups. NO inhalation may be beneficial for the survival of paraquat-induced injured rats by attenuating lipid peroxidation and production of TGF-β1.