The Neurophysiology of Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has emerged as the third endogenous gaseous mediator in the central and peripheral nervous system. H2S is generated by three enzymes, cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) and 3- mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST). In the CNS, H2S, generated mainly by CBS in astrocytes and 3MST in neurons, appears to participate in cognition, memory, regulation of the cardiopulmonary functions and neuroprotection. In the peripheral nervous system, evidence suggests that H2S may be involved in autonomic control of the cardiopulmonary and gastrointestinal functions as well pain and inflammation. Keywords: Hydrogen sulfide, autonomic nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, neuroprotection, cystathionine-β-synthase, cystathione-γ-lyase, 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase, cardiopulmonary functions, S-adenosyl-L-methionine, γ-glutamylcysteine synthase