The Role of Endogenous H2S in Cardiovascular Physiology

Abstract

Recent research has shown that the endogenous gas hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a signalling molecule of considerable biological potential and has been suggested to be involved in a vast number of physiological processes. In the vascular system, H2S is synthesized from cysteine by cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) in smooth muscle cells (SMC) and 3- mercaptopyruvate sulfuresterase (3MST) and CSE in the endothelial cells. In pulmonary and systemic arteries, H2S induces relaxation and/or contraction dependent on the concentration of H2S, type of vessel and species. H2S relaxes SMC through a direct effect on KATP-channels or Kv-channels causing hyperpolarization and closure of voltage-dependent Ca2+-channels followed by a reduction in intracellular calcium. H2S also relaxes SMC through the release of endothelium- derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) and nitric oxide (NO) from the endothelium. H2S contracts SMC through a reduction in nitric oxide (NO) availability by reacting with NO forming a nitrosothiol compound and through an inhibitory effect on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) as well as a reduction in SMC cyclic AMP concentration. Evidence supports a role for H2S in oxygen sensing. Furthermore, reduced endogenous H2S production may also play a role in ischemic heart diseases and hypertension, and treatment with H2S donors and cysteine analogues may be beneficial in treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Global changes of phospholipids identified by MALDI imaging mass spectrometry in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

“…Previous reports showed that glycerophosphatidylcholine concentration typically increases with age; moreover, this increase is more pronounced in aged AD patients and those with enhanced A ␤ plaque formation (29)(30)(31)(32). Breakdown of APP and aggregation of amyloid plaques are the major causes of neuronal deterioration in AD.…”

Acetylcholine- and Sodium Hydrosulfide^|^ndash;Induced Endothelium-Dependent Relaxation and Hyperpolarization in Cerebral Vessels of Global Cerebral Ischemia^|^ndash;Reperfusion Rat

“…This factor is a potentially important modulator in the regulation of organ blood flow and vascular resistance during normal physiological states in animal (3,4) and in the human circulation (5 -8) and plays an even greater release of EDHF and NO from the endothelium (20) and is defined as the third kind of novel gaseous transmitter besides NO and carbon monoxide (20). It has been shown that vascular endothelium can induce production of endogenous H 2 S, leading to hyperpolarization and vasorelaxation responses (21) and that H 2 S is involved in regulating a vast number of physiological and pathological processes in vitro (22,23).…”

Exercise Increases Cystathionine-<i>γ</i>-lyase Expression and Decreases the Status of Oxidative Stress in Myocardium of Ovariectomized Rats

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