Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H
2S) has recently been identified as a biological mediator. It exhibits potent vasodilator activity most probably via vascular smooth muscle K
ATP channels. Recent studies have shown an important role of H
2S in several models of inflammation, such as acute pancreatitis and associated lung injury, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia and carrageenan-induced hindpaw edema. This review examines our current understanding of H
2S as an inflammatory mediator, with particular reference to its role in lung inflammation.
Maria Belvisi – Imperial College School of Medicine, London, UK
Stuart Farrow – GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, UK