Objective To observe the effects of nitric oxide ( NO) inhalation on lung inflammation of acute lung injury ( ALI) in rats. Methods Twenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, ie. a normal control group, an ALI group, a 20 ppm NO inhalation group, and a 100 ppm NO inhalation group. ALI model was established by LPS instillation intratracheally and the control group was instilled with normal saline. Then they were ventilated with normal air or NO at different levels, and sacrificed 6 hours later. Pathological changes were evaluated by HE staining. The expression of TLR4 in lung tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. IL-6 level in lung homogenate was measured by ELISA. Results In the ALI group, the inflammation in bronchus and bronchioles was more apparently, and the expressions of TLR4and IL-6 were elevated significantly compared with the control group. 20 ppm NO inhalation significantly decreased the expression of TLR4 and IL-6, and alleviated the inflammation of ALI. However, 100 ppm NO inhalation did not change TLR4 expression and lung inflammation significantly, and increased IL-6 level.Conclusions Inhalation low level of NO( 20 ppm) can alleviate lung inflammation possibly by reducing theexpression of TLR4 and IL-6.