Background

It is now known regulatory effect of gaseous mediators (NO and H₂S) in many bodily functions. However, detailed data on the regulatory role of each of these gasotransmitters are still not sufficiently elucidated.

Objective

The aim of this study was to estimate RBC microrheological changes under the influence of H₂S donor in normotensive and hypertensive (AH) persons and the signaling pathways associated with these effects.

Methods

RBCs were incubated with: NaHS (H₂S donor), ODQ, methylene blue, L-NAME, and SNP (NO donor). RBC deformability (RBCD) and aggregation (RBCA) were evaluated and compared with the corresponding control cell suspension.

Results

There was a difference in RBCD and RBCA between healthy individuals and AH patients, 6 and 58%, respectively. NaHS increased RBCD in both groups of individuals and significantly reduced RBCA. These positive effects of NaHS were eliminated by inhibition NO signaling pathway. A greater microrheological effect was observed with the combined action of NO and NaHS.

Conclusion

NO and H₂S donors demonstrated cross-talk and caused a greater change in microrheological characteristics than their separate effects. The obtained data indicate that hydrogen sulfide, in microrheological responses to its exposure, may use the elements of the NO-associated signaling pathway.