Abstract
It is well established that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has a signaling role in the body. So far it has been shown that H2S is produced by intra-uterine tissues in the pregnant rat and the human placenta. Two main enzymes responsible for H2S production, cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase, have been demonstrated in the pregnant and nonpregnant uterus, fetal membranes and placenta in the rat, and in human placenta. H2S donors have been shown to inhibit contraction of the pregnant rat uterus. H2S could play a role in maintaining uterine quiescence during pregnancy, as an oxygen sensor and vasodilator in the placenta, or as an anti-inflammatory. More research is required in this area to elucidate the roles of H2S in the female reproductive tract and its mechanisms of action.
Dedication
This article is dedicated to the memory of Dr Anne-Marie Buckle, an excellent scientist and a good friend – Ray J Carson.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.