Oxygen and pulmonary vasodilation: The role of oxidative and nitrosative stress

Respiratory failure complicates up to 2% of live births and contributes significantly to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Under these conditions, supplemental oxygen is required to support oxygen delivery to the brain and other organs, and to prevent hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. However, therapeutic oxygen is also a source of reactive oxygen species that produce oxidative stress, along with multiple intracellular systems that contribute to the production of free radicals in pulmonary endothelium and vascular smooth muscle.

Source: Seminars in Fetal and Neonatal Medicine - January 22, 2020 Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Robin H. Steinhorn, Satyan Lakshminrusimha Source Type: research