The Ying and Yang of Hydrogen Sulfide as a Paracrine/Autocrine Agent in Neurodegeneration: Focus on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Ever since its presence was reported in the brain, the nature and role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the Central Nervous System (CNS) have changed. Consequently, H2S has been elected as the third gas transmitter, along with carbon monoxide and nitric oxide, and a number of studies have focused on its neuromodulatory and protectant functions in physiological conditions. The research on H2S has highlighted its many facets in the periphery and in the CNS, and its role as a double-faced compound, switching from protective to toxic depending on its concentration. In this review, we will focus on the bell-shaped nature of H2S as an angiogenic factor and as a molecule released by glial cells (mainly astrocytes) and non-neuronal cells acting on the surrounding environment (paracrine) or on the releasing cells themselves (autocrine). Finally, we will discuss its role in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a paradigm of a neurodegenerative disease.

Automated summary

Since its discovery in the brain, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been recognized as a gas transmitter in the Central Nervous System (CNS), and studies have focused on its neuromodulatory and protectant functions. H2S has been found to have multiple roles in the peripheral and central systems, acting as a double-faced compound that can be both protective and toxic depending on its concentration. This review discusses the bell-shaped nature of H2S as an angiogenic factor, its release by glial cells and non-neuronal cells, and its role in a neurodegenerative disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.