查看文章

Peroxynitrite is a potent oxidant formed by the rapid reaction of the free radicals nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide. It causes airway hyperresponsiveness and airway epithelial damage, enhances inflammatory cell recruitment, and inhibits pulmonary surfactant. Asthma is characterized by increased airway hyperresponsiveness, airway epithelial shedding, and inflammation. We examined the production of peroxynitrite and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in airways of asthmatic patients compared to normal control subjects. We also performed a double‐blind, crossover randomized‐order, placebo‐controlled study on 10 asthmatic patients to study the effects of inhaled glucocorticoid treatment (Budesonide) on the formation of peroxynitrite and NO. Fiberoptic bronchial biopsies were examined by immunohistochemistry with antiserum to nitrotyrosine, a marker of protein nitration by peroxynitrite …