Hydrogen sulphide: an endogenous stimulant of capsaicin-sensitive primary afferent neurons?
Hydrogen sulphide (H(2)S) is a gas best known for its rotten egg smell. The toxic effects of high concentrations of H(2)S have been extensively investigated. It is known that H(2)S is generated in mammalian systems, but little is known of its effects in physiological concentrations. In the present issue of this journal, Patacchini et al. present evidence that H(2)S stimulates capsaicin-sensitive primary afferent neurons to release tachykinins in the rat urinary bladder. The possible significance of this finding is discussed in this commentary.
Chahl
L A
LA
School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia. loris.chahl@newcastle.edu.au
D000818:Animals; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
D002211:Capsaicin; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide