Involvement of K+ATP and Ca2+ channels in hydrogen sulfide-suppressed ageing of porcine oocytes

Abstract

BackgroundHydrogen sulfide has been shown to improve the quality of oocytes destined for in vitro fertilization. Although hydrogen sulfide is capable of modulating ion channel activity in somatic cells, the role of hydrogen sulfide in gametes and embryos remains unknown. Our observations confirmed the hypothesis that the KATP and L-type Ca2+ ion channels play roles in porcine oocyte ageing and revealed a plausible contribution of hydrogen sulfide to the modulation of ion channel activity.ResultsWe confirmed the benefits of the activation and suppression of the KATP and L-type Ca2+ ion channels, respectively, for the preservation of oocyte quality.ConclusionsOur experiments identified hydrogen sulfide as promoting the desired ion channel activity, with the capacity to protect porcine oocytes against cell death. Further experiments are needed to determine the exact mechanism of hydrogen sulfide in gametes and embryos.

Hydrogen sulfide and its role in female reproduction

“…In ion channels, H 2 S is capable of opening ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K ATP ) in the smooth muscle of arteries ( 48 ), myocytes ( 49 ), and smooth muscle of the intestine ( 50 ) or eye ( 51 ). However, H 2 S also regulates other channels such as large-conductance calcium-activated potassium ion channels (BK Ca ) ( 52 ), L-type and T-type Ca 2+ channels ( 53 , 54 ), Cl − channels ( 55 ), and transient receptor potential vanilloid and ankyrin channels (TRPV and TRPA) ( 56 , 57 ). S-sulfhydration can activate some channels while inhibiting others.…”

“…Among activated channels belong K ATP ( 58 , 59 ), Cl − ( 55 ), TRPV/TRPA ( 56 , 57 ), T-type Ca 2+ ( 60 ) and BK Ca channels ( 52 , 61 ). Inhibited ion channels via S-sulfhydration are L-type Ca 2+ ( 45 , 53 , 62 ), T-type Ca 2+ ( 54 ) and BK Ca channels ( 63 ).…”

“…The mechanism of H 2 S action on oocytes involves the regulation of K ATP and L-type Ca 2+ channels, which play a crucial role during oocyte aging through S-sulfhydration. H 2 S activates K ATP channels, delaying cell death, and conversely inhibits L-type Ca 2+ channels, which have the opposite effect on oocytes ( 45 , 53 , 62 , 91 ). In conclusion, H 2 S is crucial in most processes occurring in oocytes ( Figure 3 ) and their immediate environment.…”

Natural phytochemicals as P2X7 receptor inhibitors for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases

“…Once in the extracellular space, ATP initiates and amplifies inflammatory processes by activating many different purinergic receptors in target cells (Huang et al, 2021). Specifically, most mammalian cells contain up to 5-10 mM of ATP in the cytoplasm, with concentrations in the extracellular space in the high nanomole or low micromole range (Nevoral et al, 2018). ATP, once released from the cytoplasm of damaged or dead cells or during its active release, can reach high concentrations in the extracellular space, activating micromole ATP concentrations leading to the opening of channels for Na + , K + , or Ca 2+ (Na + and Ca 2+ influx and K + efflux) through the plasma membrane (Haanes et al, 2012;Zhao et al, 2021a).…”