In a newborn rat model of sepsis

the changes of nitric oxide and the protective effects of methylene blue orland dexamethason were investigated. The results revealed that plasma nitric oxide levels were elevated at 6 h and peaked at 12 h after bacterial challenge. The treatment with methylene or/and dexamethasone was found to blunt hypoglycemia and hyperlacticemia

to reduce the occurrence rate of loss of response to pain

and to prolong the survival time. Moreover

therapy by dexamethasone was shown to decrease the 24 h mortality. The results suggested that nitric oxide play an important role during the course of fatal P. aeruginosa sepsis

but it is clear that the clinical value of nitric oxide and its inhibitors need to be further studied.