Hydrogen sulphide as a treatment for respiratory disease.

We have recently demonstrated that hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is synthesised within the airways in the lungs. H2S synthesis in the airways occurs through activation of the enzymes cystathionine  lyase, cystathionine β synthase, and mercaptopyruvate sulphurtransferase (MPST). We have found that MPST expression and activity in the airways can be altered by inflammatory mediators. Our recent studies indicate that MPST may be located in the mitochondria in the airways and this mitochondrial source of H2S may play a role in the regulation of airway tone, possibly through effects on the epithelial cells. Therefore the aims of this project are to determine whether H2S can be produced in the mitochondria in the airways, to determine whether inflammation upregulates MPST in the mitochondria, and to determine whether mitochondrially-derived H2S plays a role in the regulation of airway tone by epithelial cells. This project will involve the use of pharmacological and biochemical techniques.