title: Modulation of ion channels by hydrogen sulfide.
abstract: CONCLUSIONS
  Evidence of the ability of the gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) to serve as a regulator of many physiological functions, including control of blood pressure, regulation of cardiac function, protection of neurons, and cardiomyocytes against apoptosis, and in pain sensation is accumulating. However, the mechanisms accounting for its many actions are not yet well understood.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Following the pioneering studies of the regulation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors and ATP-sensitive K(+) channels by H(2)S, data continue to emerge indicating that H(2)S modulates other ion channel types. This article reviews the numerous, yet diverse, types of ion channels now reported to be regulated by H(2)S.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Currently, a critical issue within this field is to determine the mechanisms by which H(2)S regulates ion channels, as well as other target proteins. Mechanisms to account for regulation include direct channel protein sulfhydration, channel redox modulation, effects mediated by interactions with other gasotransmitters (carbon monoxide and nitric oxide), and indirect effects, such as modulation of channel-regulating kinases. Through such modulation of ion channels, novel roles for H(2)S are emerging as important factors in both physiological and pathological processes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Increasing current awareness and understanding of the roles and mechanisms of action of ion channel regulation by H(2)S will open opportunities for therapeutic intervention with clear clinical benefits, and inform future therapies. In addition, more sensitive methods for detecting relevant physiological concentrations of H(2)S will allow for clarification of specific ion channel regulation with reference to physiological or pathophysiological settings.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiovascular and Neuronal Remodelling, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds Institute for Genetics Health and Therapeutics, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom. c.s.peers@leeds.ac.uk
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Peers
authors.forename: Claudia C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Bauer
authors.forename: John P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Boyle
authors.forename: Jason L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Scragg
authors.forename: Mark L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Dallas
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide / Q000378:metabolism*; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D007473:Ion Channels; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide