Two's company, three's a crowd: can H 2 S be the third endogenous gaseous transmitter?

Abstract

Bearing the public image of a deadly “gas of rotten eggs,” hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) can be generated in many types of mammalian cells. Functionally, H 2 S has been implicated in the induction of hippocampal long‐term potentiation, brain development, and blood pressure regulation. By acting specifically on K ATP channels, H 2 S can hyperpolarize cell membranes, relax smooth muscle cells, or decrease neuronal excitability. The endogenous metabolism and physiological functions of H 2 S position this gas well in the novel family of endogenous gaseous transmitters, termed “gasotransmitters.” It is hypothesized that H 2 S is the third endogenous signaling gasotransmitter, besides nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. This positioning of H 2 S will open an exciting field‐H 2 S physiology‐encompassing realization of the interaction of H 2 S and other gasotransmitters, sulfurating modification of proteins, and the functional role of H 2 Sin multiple systems. It may shed light on the pathogenesis of many diseases related to the abnormal metabolism of H 2 S. — Wang, R. Two's company, three's a crowd: can H 2 S be the third endogenous gaseous transmitter? FASEB J . 16, 1792–1798 (2002)