Hydrogen sulfide: A novel signaling molecule in the central nervous system

Hydrogen sulfide is an endogenously produced gas in the central nervous system and has been touted as the body's third gaseous signaling molecule after nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. A review of the current understanding of hydrogen sulfide is necessary in view of the current plethora of research in this area. The aim of this review is to present the current understanding of H2S as a signaling molecule in the central nervous system (CNS). This objective is achieved by discussing the involvement of H2S in the regulation of (1) intracellular signaling molecules such as protein kinase A, receptor tyrosine kinases, mitogen kinases and oxidative stress signaling, (2) ion channels such as calcium (L-type, T-type and intracellular stores), potassium (KATP and small conductance channels) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator chloride channels, (3) the release and function of neurotransmitters such as γ-aminobutyric acid, N-methyl-d-aspartate, glutamate and catecholamines. The role of H2S as an important mediator in a myriad of neural functions inclusive of neuroprotection is also discussed throughout the review.