Turkish Neurosurgery
The Effect of Hydrogen Sulphide on Experimental Cerebral Vasospasm
Hakan Emmez1, Alp Özgün Börcek2, İpek Işık Gönül3, Hayrunnisa Bolay Belen4, İhsan Solaroğlu5, M.Kemali Baykaner2
1Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Neuropsychiatry Centre , Ankara,
2Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Neurosurgery, Ankara,
3Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Pathology, Ankara,
4Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Neurology, Ankara,
5Koç University, Neurosurgery, İstanbul,
DOI: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.16101-15.1

Aim:Cerebral vasospasm is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), a gaseous neurotransmitter, is produced in many tissues including the central nervous system. The vasodilatatory effect of H2S has been shown in the CNS; however, its role in cerebral vasospasm has not been investigated before.Material and Methods:The rats were divided into 8 groups: control, SAH, sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS), propargylglycine (PPG), aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA), SAH+NaHS, SAH+PPG, and SAH+AOAA. After establishing experimental SAH, the basilar artery and brainstem were harvested at 24 hours. The diameter and wall thickness of basilar artery were measured. Production of H2S was assessed by showing the activity of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase enzymes (CSE). Results:NaHS treatment significantly reduced vasospasm at 24 hours following SAH. This vasodilatatory effect was correlated with the CSE expression in basilar artery. CSE and CBS enzyme expressions were significantly lower in brain stem and basilar artery in PPG and AOAA-treated goups. PPG and AOAA treatments exerted vasoconstrictive effect in basilar artery. There were statistically significant differences between NaHS, PPG and AOAA groups, in terms of basilar artery lumen diameter. Conclusion:Results show that H2S may have a therapeutic potential in the treatment of vasospasm with its vasodilatator activity.

Corresponding author : Hakan Emmez