Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) - the third gas of interest for pharmacologists.
Journal Title: Pharmacological Reports - Year 2007, Vol 59, Issue 1
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) synthesized from L-arginine by NO synthase and from heme by heme oxygenase, respectively, are the well-known neurotransmitters and are also involved in the regulation of vascular tone. Recent studies suggest that hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is the third gaseous mediator in mammals. H(2)S is synthesized from L-cysteine by either cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) or cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE), both using pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (vitamin B(6)) as a cofactor. H(2)S stimulates ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K(ATP)) in the vascular smooth musclecells, neurons, cardiomyocytes and pancreatic beta-cells. In addition, H(2)S may react with reactive oxygen and/or nitrogen species limiting their toxic effects but also, attenuating their physiological functions, like nitric oxide does. In contrast to NO and CO, H(2)S does not stimulate soluble guanylate cyclase. H(2)S is involved in the regulation of vascular tone, myocardial contractility, neurotransmission, and insulin secretion. H(2)S deficiency was observed in various animal models of arterial and pulmonary hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, gastric mucosal injury and liver cirrhosis. Exogenous H(2)S ameliorates myocardial dysfunction associated with the ischemia/reperfusion injury and reduces the damage of gastric mucosa induced by anti-inflammatory drugs. On the other hand, excessive production of H(2)S may contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, septic shock, cerebral stroke and mental retardation in patients with Down syndrome, and reduction of its production may be of potential therapeutic value in these states.
Authors and Affiliations
Ewelina Łowicka, Jerzy Bełtowski
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP107473
- DOI -
- Views 77
- Downloads 0
C3435T polymorphism of the ABCB1 gene: impact on genetic susceptibility to peptic ulcers.
The functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) C3435T in exon 26 of the ABCB1 gene encoding the xenobiotic transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) may influence susceptibility to several diseases, as well as the clinical...
Proline-linked nitrosoureas as prolidase-convertible prodrugs in human breast cancer cells.
A number of novel proline-linked nitrosoureas (1-4) were synthesized and examined for cytotoxicity and influence on DNA and collagen biosynthesis in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Evaluation of the cytot...
Involvement of 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptors in sevoflurane-induced hypnotic and analgesic effects in mice.
In the present study, we investigated the role of 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT(3)) receptors in hypnosis and analgesia induced by emulsified sevoflurane. A mouse model of hypnosis and analgesia was established by an...
Vitamin D and the central nervous system.
Vitamin D is formed in human epithelial cells via photochemical synthesis and is also acquired from dietary sources. The so-called classical effect of this vitamin involves the regulation of calcium homeostasis and bone...
Pharmacokinetics and ocular disposition of paracetamol and paracetamol glucuronide in rabbits with diabetes mellitus induced by alloxan.
Background: This study evaluates the pharmacokinetics (PK) and ocular disposition of paracetamol and paracetamol glucuronide in diabetic rabbits. Methods: Thirty two New Zealand rabbits were divided into four groups: con...