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Nitric Oxide in hypoxic pulmonary vasocsontriction (HPV)

Topical nitric oxide may be given to treat HPV. How is it that the NO only reaches well ventillated areas of the lung and not poorly ventilated areas? Thank you

Reply 1

Hype en Ecosse

Are you sure you mean topical rather than inhaled?

Imagine you've got a bunch of gas with some NO in it, which part of the lung is it more likely to go to? The well-ventilated part, or the poorly ventilated part?

Reply 2

username459260

Original post by Hype en Ecosse

Well I think they would be considered the same thing. Topical just means to a specific place?

I guess it was a rather silly question though. But thank you for clarifying the answer :smile: