METHOD OF TREATING PULMONARY EDEMA OR PULMONARY INFLAMMATION

摘要

The invention provides a method for preventing or treating pulmonary edema and/or pulmonary inflammation in a subject by the administration of at least one nucleotidase. The subject is preferably a human subject. The nucleotidase is preferably of a mammalian origin, such as a human origin. The NTPDase and NPP families of nucleotidases are particularly useful for the present invention. The method reduces the bioavailability of in situ signaling extracellular nucleotides, thereby disturbing the pathological pathways in ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) and respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV) and other disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. Local administration such as inhalation is a preferred route of administration.