Beyond H2S and NO interplay: hydrogen sulfide and nitroprusside react directly to give nitroxyl (HNO). A new pharmacological source of HNO

J Med Chem. 2013 Feb 28;56(4):1499-508. doi: 10.1021/jm3012036. Epub 2013 Feb 18.

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been increasingly recognized as an important signaling molecule that regulates both blood pressure and neuronal activity. Attention has been drawn to its interactions with another gasotransmitter, nitric oxide (NO). Here, we provide evidence that the physiological effects observed upon the application of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and H2S can be ascribed to the generation of nitroxyl (HNO), which is a direct product of the reaction between SNP and H2S, not a consequence of released NO subsequently reacting with H2S. Intracellular HNO formation has been confirmed, and the subsequent release of calcitonin gene-related peptide from a mouse heart has been demonstrated. Unlike with other thiols, SNP reacts with H2S in the same way as rhodanese, i.e., the cyanide transforms into a thiocyanate. These findings shed new light on how H2S is understood to interact with nitroprusside. Additionally, they offer a new and convenient pharmacological source of HNO for therapeutic purposes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / metabolism
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Sulfide / chemistry
  • Hydrogen Sulfide / metabolism*
  • Hydrogen Sulfide / pharmacology
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Myocardium / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide Donors / chemistry
  • Nitric Oxide Donors / metabolism*
  • Nitric Oxide Donors / pharmacology
  • Nitrogen Oxides / chemistry*
  • Nitrogen Oxides / metabolism
  • Nitroprusside / chemistry
  • Nitroprusside / metabolism*
  • Nitroprusside / pharmacology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Uterine Contraction

Substances

  • Nitric Oxide Donors
  • Nitrogen Oxides
  • Nitroprusside
  • nitroxyl
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide
  • Hydrogen Sulfide