[Is use of nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitors justified for therapy of septic shock?].

NO mediates many systemic reactions in humans and animals. It is produced by constitutive synthases (cNOS) and one inducible by cytokines and endotoxines (iNOS). We summarize, on the base of experimental and clinical data, the pathophysiological role of NO in septic shock as well as the effects of pharmacological application of NOS inhibitors. The analysed data show, that the contribution of NO to the pathomechanism of septic shock is rather heterogenous, therefore the clinical therapeutical application of selective iNOS inhibitors is impossible without adequate new monitoring tools.