[Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous gas with odor of rotten eggs might be a cardiovascular function regulator]

Abstract

A novel concept of "gasotransmitter" arrived recently. They are small molecules of endogenous gases. Hydrogene sulfide (H2S) is qualified as the third gasotransmitter beside nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). The physiological functions of endogenous H2S are not well-known. The location of the H2S synthetizing enzymes as well as the detector of endogenous levels of H2S in the tissues suggests that the cardiovascular system is a source of H2S generation. This gas relaxes vascular smooth muscle both in vitro and in vivo probably by opening smooth K+ATP channels. Being a reducing agent, H2S may alter cellular redox status. It is able to produce thiyls free radicals: SH degrees and S degrees . The advances in H2S researchs may revolutionize many conventional doctrines in the cardiovascular area.