Hydrogen Sulfide-Induced Vasodilation: The Involvement of Vascular Potassium Channels

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) has been highlighted as an important gasotransmitter in mammals. A growing number of studies have indicated that H(2)S plays a key role in the pathophysiology of vascular diseases and physiological vascular homeostasis. Alteration in H(2)S biogenesis has been reported in a variety of vascular diseases and H(2)S supplementation exerts effects of vasodilation. Accumulating evidence has shown vascular potassium channels activation is involved in H(2)S-induced vasodilation. This review aimed to summarize and discuss the role of H(2)S in the regulation of vascular tone, especially by interaction with different vascular potassium channels and the underlying mechanisms.