A Newly Found Gasotransmitter, Hydrogen Sulfide, in the Pathogenesis of Hypertension and Other Cardiovascular Diseases

Junbao      Du; Chunyu      Zhang; Hui      Yan; Chaoshu      Tang

Abstract

In the 1980s, nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) were determined to be gaseous messenger molecules which is capable of relaxing vessels and interfering with vascular structure remodeling. However there are many mechanisms that have not been clear about the regulation of human functions under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a newly found gasotrasmitter that was demonstrated to play similar role as that of NO and CO in many organs and tissues, especially in the cardiovascular system. In this review, firstly, we described the production of H2S in the body, and the functions of H2S in the cardiovascular system, especially in the vascular relaxing and vascular remodeling. Secondly, we further discussed the role of H2S in hypertension, hypoxic pulmonary hypertension, shock and ischemic hear disease. Finally, the interaction between H2S and the other two gasotransmitters, NO and CO, was also discussed.

Keywords: Hydrogen sulfide, cardiovascular system, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension

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