Endogenous Hydrogen Sulfide Contributes to Tone Generation in Porcine Lower Esophageal Sphincter Via Na⁺/Ca²⁺ Exchanger.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a major physiologic gastrotransmitter. Its role in the regulation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function remains unknown. The present study addresses this question.

Methods

Isometric contraction was monitored in circular smooth muscle strips of porcine LES. Changes in cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) and force were simultaneously monitored in fura-2-loaded strips with front-surface fluorometry. The contribution of endogenous H₂S to LES contractility was investigated by examining the effects of inhibitors of H₂S-generating enzymes, including cystathionine-β-synthase, cystathionine-γ-lyase, and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase, on the LES function

SUBMITTER: Bai X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5782486 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature