Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gaseous mediator which, like nitric oxide (NO), has numerous profound actions in mammalian physiology. GYY 4137 is a water-soluble, slow-releasing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor. When given intravenously, it demonstrates vasodilator and anti-hypertensive activity in rats, in either the acute (L-NAME-induced) or chronic (spontaneously hypertensive) hypertension models. Intravenous GYY 4137 also protects against endotoxic shock in rats, inhibiting tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 production and reducing NF-κB activation, iNOS and cyclooxygenase-2 expression, and NO and prostaglandin E2 generation.
