Vol 68, Supp. V (2010)
Reviews
Published online: 2010-11-25
The role of nitric oxide, hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide in the regulation of the circulatory system and their pharmacotherapeutic potential
DOI: 10.33963/v.kp.79583
Abstract
In the eighties of the twentieth century nitric oxide (NO) was identified as the endothelium-derived relaxing factor. This
discovery has triggered an interest in gaseous transmitters and their role in the regulation of the circulatory system. Recently,
it has become evident that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon monoxide are also involved in physiological and pathological
processes in the cardiovascular system. Nitrates that have been used for over a century and nebivolol, a third-generation
b-blocker with vasodilating properties by increasing bioavailability of NO, provide convincing arguments that the compounds
acting via NO pathway will remain an important class of cardiovascular drugs. A rapidly growing number of publications on
functions of H2S in the circulatory system suggests that the gaseous transmitter may become a promising target for new
treatment strategies in cardiovascular diseases. This review is focused on the role of gaseous transmitters in the regulation of
the cardiovascular system and their pharmacotherapeutic potential.
Kardiol Pol 2010; 68, supl. V: 436-440
Kardiol Pol 2010; 68, supl. V: 436-440
Keywords: circulatory systemnitric oxidehydrogen sulfidecarbon monoxidegaseous transmitterscardiovascular diseases