Background & Objective: Hydrogen sulfide [H2S] has been widely known as a toxic gas
for more than 300 years in the scientific community. However, the understanding about this small
molecule has changed after the discovery of involvement of H2S in physiological and pathological
mechanisms in brain. H2S is a third gasotransmitter and neuromodulator after carbon monoxide [CO]
and nitric oxide [NO]. H2S plays an important role in memory and cognition by regulating long-term
potentiation [LTP] and calcium homeostasis in neuronal cells. The disturbances in endogenous H2S
levels and trans-sulfuration pathway have been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s
disease, Parkinson disease, stroke and traumatic brain injury. According to the results obtained
from various studies, H2S not only behaves as neuromodulator but also is a potent antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic molecule suggesting its neuroprotective potential.
Conclusion:
Recently, there is an increased interest in developing H2S releasing pharmaceuticals to
target various neurological disorders. This review covers the information about the involvement of
H2S in neurodegenerative diseases, its molecular targets and its role as potential therapeutic molecule.
Possible involvement of interleukin 1-β in the changes of long-term potentiation and nitric oxide production in the rat hippocampus after transient cerebral ischemia