Potential role of hydrogen sulfide in the pathogenesis of vascular dysfunction in septic shock.

Potential role of hydrogen sulfide in the pathogenesis of vascular dysfunction in septic shock. Curr Vasc Pharmacol. 2013 Mar 1;11(2):208-21 Authors: Coletta C, Szabo C Abstract Various forms of circulatory shock (including septic shock) lead to an impairment of vascular function, which importantly contributes to the development of multiple organ failure and mortality. Such dysfunction of blood vessels consists of two principal components: vascular smooth muscle (VSM) dysfunction, and endothelial dysfunction. The VSM dysfunction (progressive, therapy-resistant loss of VSM responsiveness to vasoconstrictor catecholamines, such as noradrenaline) leads to a progressive deterioration of blood pressure in patients with circulatory shock. The endothelial dysfunction (loss of the ability of the endothelium to produce nitric oxide and other endothelium-derived factors) contributes to the impairment of microvascular blood flow, to the enhanced adhesion and activation of neutrophils and platelets, to coagulation problems, and perfusion/metabolism mismatch in the affected organs. Here we overview the vascular regulatory functions of the novel gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S), with an emphasis on its potential role in the pathogenesis of vascular dysfunction in circulatory shock. We first review the roles of endogenously produced or exogenously administered H2S on vascular function. Next, we review the results of published studies using shock models...
Source: Current Vascular Pharmacology - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: Curr Vasc Pharmacol Source Type: research