Role of Arginase in Impairing Relaxation of Lung Parenchyma of Hyperoxia-Exposed Neonatal Rats

Abstract

These data suggest that NO-cGMP signaling is disrupted in neonatal rat pups exposed to even moderate hyperoxia due to increased arginase activity and consequent decreased bioavailability of the substrate L-arginine. We speculate that supplementation of arginine and/or inhibition of arginase may be a useful therapeutic tool to prevent or treat neonatal lung injury.