Effects of simultaneous pharmacological inhibition of cystathionine gamma-lyase and nitric oxide synthase on food and water intake, body mass gain, and body temperature in rats

Various studies have emphasized the intricate relationship between hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) and nitric oxide (NO) in regulating diverse physiological processes. In this investigation, we aimed to elucidate the effects of simultaneous inhibition of the H 2 S-producing enzyme cystathionine γ-lyase and the NO-producing enzyme nitric oxide synthase on food and water intake, body mass gain and body temperature in rats. Specifically, we explored the combined impact of dl-propargylglycine, an irreversible inhibitor of cystathionine γ-lyase, and Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), a non-selective inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, on these physiological parameters. Co-administration of dl-propargylglycine (50 mg/kg, i.p.) and l-NAME (50 mg/kg, i.p.) effectively suppressed food intake and body mass gain in fasted rats at 24 hours post-injection, accompanied by a notable decrease in water intake. Furthermore, this combined treatment induced a significant decline in body temperature at 90, 120, and 150 minutes post-injection compared to the control group, shedding light on the complex role of H 2 S and NO systems in modulating body temperature regulation. These findings enhance our understanding of the potential physiological implications of targeting the cystathionine γ-lyase/H 2 S and nitric oxide synthase/NO pathways.