The gaseous molecule hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) has been proposed as an endogenous signal molecule and neuromodulator in mammals. Using a newly developed method, we report here for the first time the ability of intact and living brain and colonic tissue in the mouse to generate and release H(2)S. This production occurs through the activity of two enzymes, cystathionine-gamma-lyase and cystathioni...

An elevated plasma level of homocysteine is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of glucagon on homocysteine metabolism in the rat. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 4 mg/kg/day (3 injections per day) glucagon for 2 days while control rats received vehicle injections. Glucagon treatment resulted in a 30% de...

The intracellular localization of several aspartate pathway enzymes has been studied in pea (Pisum sativum cv Feltham First) and barley (Hordeum vulgare cv Julia) leaves. Protoplast lysates were fractionated by differential or sucrose density gradient centrifugation, in media optimized for each enzyme. The results show that aspartate kinase, homoserine kinase, threonine synthase, and cystathion...

Gases such as NO and CO play important roles both in normal physiology and in disease. In recent years, interest has been directed towards other naturally occurring gases, notably H 2 S, which is produced in body by three enzymes namely CBS (cystathionine beta synthase), CSE (cystathionine gamma lyase) and MST (3-Mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase), present in mitochondria and/or cytosols where...

Disulfiram (DSF), a sulfur-containing compound, has been used to treat chronic alcoholism and cancer for decades by inactivating aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is new gasotransmitter regulates various cellular functions S-sulfhydrating cysteine in the target proteins. H2S exhibits similar properties DSF sensitization of cells. The interaction on ALDH activity liver cell s...

In addition to its role in the endogenous synthesis of cysteine, cystathionine gamma-lyase (CGL) is a major physiological source of the vasorelaxant hydrogen sulfide. Cgl null mice are potentially useful for studying the influence of this compound upon vascular tone and endothelial function. Here, we confirm a previous report that female Cgl null mice exhibit an approximate 45-fold increase in ...

In addition to its role in the endogenous synthesis of cysteine, cystathionine gamma-lyase (CGL) is a major physiological source of the vasorelaxant hydrogen sulfide. Cgl null mice are potentially useful for studying the influence of this compound upon vascular tone and endothelial function. Here, we confirm a previous report that female Cgl null mice exhibit an approximate 45-fold increase in ...

Background and Aims Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a major physiologic gastrotransmitter. Its role in the regulation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function remains unknown. The present study addresses this question. Methods Isometric contraction was monitored in circular smooth muscle strips of porcine LES. Changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and force were simultaneously m...