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Hydrogen sulfide: its production and functions
1Department of Molecular Pharmacology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawahigashi, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan. kimura@ncnp.go.jp
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a signaling molecule with physiological roles in the brain and vasculature. It acts as a neuromodulator, smooth muscle relaxant, and cytoprotectant, particularly in neurons.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
Background:
- Endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) levels were detected in mammalian brains in the early 1990s, hinting at its physiological relevance.
- Early research identified H2S-producing enzymes, cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase, involved in neurotransmission and smooth muscle relaxation, respectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted physiological roles of endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the mammalian body.
- To investigate the function of the H2S-producing enzyme 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST) in neuronal and vascular tissues.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the enzymatic production of H2S by cystathionine β-synthase and its effect on NMDA receptor activity in the hippocampus.
- Examined the expression and function of cystathionine γ-lyase in vascular tissues, assessing its role in smooth muscle relaxation.
- Characterized the expression and mitochondrial localization of 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST) and its impact on reactive oxygen species and glutathione levels.
Main Results:
- H2S produced by cystathionine β-synthase enhances hippocampal long-term potentiation by modulating NMDA receptor activity.
- H2S generated by cystathionine γ-lyase induces relaxation in the thoracic aorta, portal vein, and ileum.
- 3MST-derived H2S, localized in mitochondria, reduces reactive oxygen species and restores reduced glutathione levels, protecting neurons from oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) functions as a critical neuromodulator and smooth muscle relaxant.
- H2S also serves as a vital cytoprotectant, particularly in neuronal cells, by mitigating oxidative stress through glutathione restoration and reactive oxygen species reduction.
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