Reactive sulfur species (RSS) include biological persulfide molecules that protect cells against oxidative stress and heavy metal toxicity. Vascular endothelial cells regulate blood coagulation and fibrinolytic activity, and prevent vascular disorders such as atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that RSS protect vascular endothelial cells not only from nonspecific cell damage but also from specific functional damage through regulation of specific cell functions. In the present study, cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells were treated with sodium trisulfide, a sulfane sulfur donor, and both [3H]thymidine incorporation and effects on cell cycle were analyzed. These results suggest that RSS stimulate vascular endothelial cell proliferation. RSS may reduce the functional cytotoxicity of antiproliferative agents.
Keywords: Endothelial cell; Proliferation; Reactive sulfur species.