Abstract
Objective H2S may explain the dysregulation of microvascular tone associated with poor outcome following preterm birth. In adult vasculature, H2S is predominantly produced by CSE. We hypothesized that vascular CSE activity contributes to microvascular tone regulation during circulatory transition. Methods Preterm (GA62) and full-term (GA69) guinea pig fetuses and neonates were studied. Microvascular blood flow was assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry. Thiosulfate, primary urinary metabolite of H2S, was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Real-time H2S production was assessed using a microrespiration system in fetal and postnatal (10, 24 hours) skin and heart samples. CSE contribution was investigated by inhibition via propargylglycine. Results In preterm animals, postnatal H2S production capacity in peripheral vasculature increased significantly and was significantly reduced by the inhibition of CSE. Urinary thiosulfate correlated with both microvascular blood flow and capacity of the vasculature to produce H2S. H2S produced via CSE did not correlate directly with microvascular blood flow. Conclusions In preterm neonates, H2S production increases during fetal-to-neonatal transition and CSE contribution to total H2S increases postnatally. CSE-dependent mechanisms may therefore underpin the increase in H2S production over the first 72 hours of life in preterm human neonates, associated with both central and peripheral cardiovascular instability.