Abstract
Because lung nitric oxide (NO) diffusing capacity ( D L) represents alveolar–capillary gas diffusion, we queried as to whether disturbances of pulmonary gas exchange in interstitial lung disease (ILD) are appropriately reflected by using NO. In this pilot study, we applied the 15N-labeled stable isotope 15NO (relative abundance 0.37% of total NO) in order to ignore the endogenous NO production. In 10 ILD-outpatients, we measured D L 15NO by performing the single-breath method. Lung function parameters as well as arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO 2) were also tested. Values of D L 15NO ranged within 50–151 ml 15NO/(mmHg min). Ratios of D L 15NO/reference were between 43 and 108% of predicted data as taken from our previous work on healthy volunteers [Eur. J. Physiol. 446 (2003) 256]. We found a significant reduction of D L 15NO/reference in five patients. Additionally, values of PaO 2 were significantly correlated to ratios of D L 15NO/reference (adjusted R 2 ± SEE=0.407 ± 8.051). In conclusion, 15NO represents an appropriate indicator gas for reflecting an ILD-induced impairment of alveolar–capillary gas exchange.
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