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Interaction of hydrogen sulfide with ion channels
Author(s) -
Tang Guanghua,
Wu Lingyun,
Wang Rui
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
clinical and experimental pharmacology and physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1440-1681
pISSN - 0305-1870
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2010.05351.x
Subject(s) - hydrogen sulfide , ion , chemistry , hydrogen ion , ion channel , chemical physics , sulfur , biochemistry , receptor , organic chemistry
Summary 1. Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is a signalling gasotransmitter. It targets different ion channels and receptors, and fulfils its various roles in modulating the functions of different systems. However, the interaction of H 2 S with different types of ion channels and underlying molecular mechanisms has not been reviewed systematically. 2. H 2 S is the first identified endogenous gaseous opener of ATP‐sensitive K + channels in vascular smooth muscle cells. Through the activation of ATP‐sensitive K + channels, H 2 S lowers blood pressure, protects the heart from ischemia and reperfusion injury, inhibits insulin secretion in pancreatic β cells, and exerts anti‐inflammatory, anti‐nociceptive and anti‐apoptotic effects. 3. H 2 S inhibited L‐type Ca 2+ channels in cardiomyocytes but stimulated the same channels in neurons, thus regulating intracellular Ca 2+ levels. H 2 S activated small and medium conductance K Ca channels but its effect on BK Ca channels has not been consistent. 4. H 2 S‐induced hyperalgesia and pro‐nociception seems to be related to the sensitization of both T‐type Ca 2+ channels and TRPV 1 channels. The activation of TRPV 1 and TRPA 1 by H 2 S is believed to result in contraction of nonvascular smooth muscles and increased colonic mucosal Cl − secretion. 5. The activation of Cl − channel by H 2 S has been shown as a protective mechanism for neurons from oxytosis. H 2 S also potentiates N ‐methyl‐ d ‐aspartic acid receptor‐mediated currents that are involved in regulating synaptic plasticity for learning and memory. 6. Given the important modulatory effects of H 2 S on different ion channels, many cellular functions and disease conditions related to homeostatic control of ion fluxes across cell membrane should be re‐evaluated.