L-citrulline provides a novel strategy for treating chronic pulmonary hypertension in newborn infants

Abstract

Effective therapies are urgently needed for infants with forms of pulmonary hypertension that develop or persist beyond the first week of life. The L-arginine nitric oxide (NO) precursor, L-citrulline, improves NO signalling and ameliorates pulmonary hypertension in newborn animals. In vitro studies demonstrate that manipulating L-citrulline transport alters NO production.

Conclusion: Strategies that increase the supply and transport of L-citrulline merit pursuit as novel approaches to managing infants with chronic, progressive pulmonary hypertension.

Keywords: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia; Nitric oxide; Oxidative stress; Premature infants; Pulmonary hypertension.