Induction of chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes after short time inhalation of nitric oxide

Abstract

Introduction: inhalation of nitric oxide (INO) leads to vasodilation of pulmonary vasculature in ventilated regions of the lung. The clinical use of INO, although not formally approved as a drug, is widespread. NO may rapidly form nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) in an oxygen containing gas mixture. NO 2 has been shown to induce chromosome aberrations and mutations in both animal and bacterial test systems. We investigated whether a 2-h exposure to NO would increase frequencies of cells with chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes of human volunteers. Methods: 10 volunteers were exposed to inhaled NO 40 parts per million (ppm) for 2 h. Pre- and post-exposure blood samples were analysed. Results: no statistically significant differences ( p≤0.05) in chromosome aberrations were observed between pre- and post-exposure samples. Conclusion: no detectable increase of chromosome aberrations in human peripheral blood lymphocytes after 2 h of NO-inhalation 40 ppm was found.