The effects of carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide on transmembrane ion transport

Abstract

The activity of electroneutral ion transport in response to the effect of the gasotransmitters carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide was investigated. It was shown that phenylephrine, an activator of receptorregulated calcium uptake, enhanced the relaxing action of carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. In contrast, inhibition of the membrane potassium conductance, especially its voltage-dependent component, decreased the myogenic effects of carbon monoxide in the smooth muscles. The effects of hydrogen sulfide depended on its concentration and the means of activation of the cell transport systems. Furthermore, sodium-dependent components of the membrane conductivity are also involved in the effects of this gasotransmitter on ion transport systems in addition to the calcium and potassium conductance. This expands the range of the potential gasotransmitter-affected targets of signaling pathways, which may result in either activation or inhibition of cell functions. The consequences of such impacts on the functionally significant responses of cells, organs, and systems should be taken into account in various physiological and pathological states.