Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a sphingolipid metabolite. Many of its functions are regulated by binding the specific receptor (S1P G-protein-coupled receptors, S1PR1–5) on cell surface; however, S1P can also act as an intracellular second messenger. S1P has a pivotal role in cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and involves in some physiological and pathological progress of cardiovascular system, immune system and et al. Thus, it Recent studies suggest that, through regulating inflammation, anti-apoptosis and maintaining endothelial cell barrier, S1P can affect the occurrence and development of pulmonary ischemia reperfusion injury (PIRI).This article intends to provide a review about the function of S1P in PIRI, based on published data recently.