Hydrogen sulfide aids blood pressure
Published: April 29, 2008 at 3:42 PM
LONDON, April 29 (UPI) -- British scientists say they have found hydrogen sulfide -- a gas associated with sewage and rotten eggs -- plays a role in regulating blood pressure.
A team of researchers from the Peninsula Medical School and King's College London previously showed hydrogen sulfide, or H2S, is produced naturally within our bodies. In their latest study, the researchers found H2S relaxes vascular tissue and improves the flexibility of veins and arteries, producing a smoother flow of blood.
The scientists said they synthesized a new molecule that allows H2S to be released into the body in a more controllable and regulated manner. The result is a slow-releasing H2S donor molecule that can be used to model the effects of naturally produced H2S, allowing the researchers to further understand the role H2S has in the body during health and disease.
The study, led by Kings College Professor Philip Moore and Dr. Matt Whiteman from the Peninsula Medical School, is reported in the journal Circulation.
A team of researchers from the Peninsula Medical School and King's College London previously showed hydrogen sulfide, or H2S, is produced naturally within our bodies. In their latest study, the researchers found H2S relaxes vascular tissue and improves the flexibility of veins and arteries, producing a smoother flow of blood.
The scientists said they synthesized a new molecule that allows H2S to be released into the body in a more controllable and regulated manner. The result is a slow-releasing H2S donor molecule that can be used to model the effects of naturally produced H2S, allowing the researchers to further understand the role H2S has in the body during health and disease.
The study, led by Kings College Professor Philip Moore and Dr. Matt Whiteman from the Peninsula Medical School, is reported in the journal Circulation.
© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
» Next in Science:
NASA: Discovery to move to launch pad
A crane lowers space shuttle Discovery toward the external tank and solid rocket boosters already stacked on the mobile launcher platform in high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center, Flordia. The stacking and mating took place in preparation for the launch on the STS-124 mission to the International Space Station, targeted to launch on May 31, 2008. (UPI Photo/Jim Grossmann/NASA)
Space Shuttle Discovery set to launch on May 31
Full Photo
| Slideshow
Latest Headlines
Most Popular
- Stone: Lesbian kiss pushed 'boundaries'
- Big Brown adds Preakness to Kentucky win
- John Phillip Law, Hollywood actor, dies
- WVU professors allege retaliation in play
- Bacteria warning issued for oyster eaters
- Charges filed in BBC make-up artist case
- Guilty plea made in doughnut van theft
- $100 million film fund created