Hydrogen sulphide: An endogenous stimulant of capsaicin-sensitive primary afferent neurons?

Abstract

Hydrogen sulphide (H 2S) is a gas best known for its rotten egg smell. The toxic effects of high concentrations of H 2S have been extensively investigated. It is known that H 2S is generated in mammalian systems, but little is known of its effects in physiological concentrations. In the present issue of this journal, Patacchini et al. present evidence that H 2S stimulates capsaicin-sensitive primary afferent neurons to release tachykinins in the rat urinary bladder. The possible significance of this finding is discussed in this commentary.