High turnover rates for hydrogen sulfide allow for rapid regulation of its tissue concentrations

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is a signaling molecule, which influences many physiological processes. While H(2)S is produced and degraded in many cell types, the kinetics of its turnover in different tissues has not been reported. In this study, we have assessed the rates of H(2)S production in murine liver, kidney, and brain homogenates at pH 7.4, 37°C, and at physiologically relevant cysteine concentrations. We have also studied the kinetics of H(2)S clearance by liver, kidney, and brain homogenates under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

We find that the rate of H(2)S production by these tissue homogenates is considerably higher than background rates observed in the absence of exogenous substrates. An exponential decay of H(2)S with time is observed and, as expected, is significantly faster under aerobic conditions. The half-life for H(2)S under aerobic conditions is 2.0, 2.8, and 10.0 min with liver, kidney, and brain homogenate, respectively. Western-blot analysis of the sulfur dioxygenase, ETHE1, involved in H(2)S catabolism, demonstrates higher steady-state protein levels in liver and kidney versus brain.

By combining experimental and simulation approaches, we demonstrate high rates of tissue H(2)S turnover and provide estimates of steady-state H(2)S levels.

Our study reveals that tissues maintain a high metabolic flux of sulfur through H(2)S, providing a rationale for how H(2)S levels can be rapidly regulated.