Uncultured human leukocytes contain no detectable cystathionine synthase activity. A method is described in which the addition of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) to short-term lymphocyte cultures results in a significant induction of enzymatic activity. This PHA-stimulated activity has characteristics that resemble those previously described for cystathionine synthase of normal liver and cultured fibr...

Cystathionine (R-S-(2-amino-2-carboxyethyl)-l-homocysteine) is a non-proteinogenic thioether containing amino acid. In mammals, cystathionine is formed as an intermediate of the transsulfuration pathway by the condensation of serine and homocysteine (Hcy) in a reaction catalyzed by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS). Cystathionine is subsequently converted to cysteine plus ammonia and α-ketobutyrat...

BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on carotid sinus baroreceptor sensitivity and its mechanisms. METHODS AND RESULTS Male Wistar-Kyoto rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were used in the experiment and were given an H2S donor or a cystathionine-β-synthase inhibitor, hydroxylamine, for 8 weeks. Systolic blood pressure and the cystat...

An o-fluorinated-azido-capped rhodamine probe can react with H2S efficiently and selectively to give large off-on fluorescence enhancement. The probe was used to develop an assay for cystathionine β-synthase acitivity and for in situ visualization of endogenously produced H2S in living cells.