title: Hydrogen sulfide and nervous system regulation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This review discusses the current status and progress in studies on the roles of hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) in regulation of neurotoxicity, neuroprotection, and neuromodulator, as well as its therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative disorders.
  
  
  METHODS
  The data used in this review were mainly from Medline and PubMed published in English from 2001 to August 2011. The search terms were "hydrogen sulfide", "neuron", and "neurodegenerative disorders".
  
  
  METHODS
  Articles regarding the regulation of neuronal function, the protection against neuronal damage and neurological diseases, and their possible cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with H(2)S were selected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The inhibited generation of endogenous H(2)S is implicated in 1-methy-4-phenylpyridinium ion, 6-OHDA, and homocysteine-triggered neurotoxicity. H(2)S elicits neuroprotection in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease models as well as protecting neurons against oxidative stress, ischemia, and hypoxia-induced neuronal death. H(2)S offers anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects, as well as activates ATP-sensitive potassium channels and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl- channels. H(2)S regulates the long-term potentiation (LTP) and GABAB receptors in the hippocampus, as well as intracellular calcium and pH homeostasis in neurons and glia cells.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These articles suggest that endogenous H(2)S may regulate the toxicity of neurotoxin. H(2)S not only acts as a neuroprotectant but also serves as a novel neuromodulator.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Institute of Cognition and Nervous Systems Disease, Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
authors.forename: Cheng-Fang
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Xiao-Qing
authors.initials: XQ
authors.lastname: Tang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide / Q000378:metabolism*; D009420:Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D009498:Neurotoxins / Q000378:metabolism; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D009498:Neurotoxins; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide