[Gas Signalling in Mammalian Cells].

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Biochemistry

Context:

• Discovery of gas transmitters like nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) revealed their roles as intercellular and intracellular regulators.
• These gases influence the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems, acting as a complex signaling system.

Purpose:

• To review the mechanisms by which gas transmitters influence the electrical and contractile properties of smooth muscle cells (SMC).
• To analyze the interaction of gas transmitters with classical signaling cascades (Ca2+, cyclic nucleotides) and effector systems.
• To examine the role of SMC membrane ion-transporting systems in the myogenic effects of NO, CO, and H2S.

Summary:

• Gas transmitters (NO, CO, H2S) regulate diverse physiological functions by modulating enzymatic and non-enzymatic cellular reactions.
• Their influence on smooth muscle cells involves interactions with calcium ions and cyclic nucleotides, affecting excitation-contraction coupling.
• The review synthesizes existing literature and novel research on the multidirectional effects of these gases on SMC.

Impact:

• Provides insights into novel signaling pathways involving gas transmitters and their interaction with established signaling cascades.
• Highlights the role of ion-transport systems in mediating the effects of gas transmitters on smooth muscle.
• Suggests potential new therapeutic targets for conditions involving smooth muscle dysfunction.