Hydrogen sulfide: A novel signaling molecule in the central nervous system

• Published in: Neurochemistry international 2010, Vol.56 (1), p.3-10
• Main Authors: Tan, Boon Hian, Wong, Peter T.-H., Bian, Jin-Song
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Central Nervous System - metabolism; Enzymes - metabolism; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Hydrogen sulfide; Hydrogen Sulfide - metabolism; Ion Channels - metabolism; Nervous system; Neurotransmitter Agents - metabolism; Neurotransmitter Agents - secretion; Oxidative Stress - physiology; Presynaptic Terminals - metabolism; Signal transduction; Signal Transduction - physiology; Synaptic Transmission - physiology; Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs
• ISSN: 0197-0186; 1872-9754
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2009.08.008

Hydrogen sulfide is an endogenously produced gas in the central nervous system and has been touted as the body's third gaseous signaling molecule after nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. A review of the current understanding of hydrogen sulfide is necessary in view of the current plethora of research in this area. The aim of this review is to present the current understanding of H 2S as a signaling molecule in the central nervous system (CNS). This objective is achieved by discussing the involvement of H 2S in the regulation of (1) intracellular signaling molecules such as protein kinase A, receptor tyrosine kinases, mitogen kinases and oxidative stress signaling, (2) ion channels such as calcium (L-type, T-type and intracellular stores), potassium (K ATP and small conductance channels) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator chloride channels, (3) the release and function of neurotransmitters such as γ-aminobutyric acid, N-methyl- d-aspartate, glutamate and catecholamines. The role of H 2S as an important mediator in a myriad of neural functions inclusive of neuroprotection is also discussed throughout the review.