Skip to ContentSkip to Navigation
About us Latest news News News articles

Modulation of endogenous H2S production. Its role in hibernation and pharmacological cell protection

30 January 2012

PhD ceremony: Ms. F. Talaei, 16.15 uur, Aula Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Dissertation: Modulation of endogenous H2S production. Its role in hibernation and pharmacological cell protection

Promotor(s): prof. R.H. Henning, prof. M. Schmidt

Faculty: Medical Sciences

Studying the protective mechanism(s) that small mammals, such as the hamster, employ during hibernation may disclose new strategies to limit cellular damage. We focused on the mechanism that constituted of release and re-absorption of serotonin, leading to the production of H2S via the enzyme cystathionine beta synthase (CBS). Increasing the CBS activity, both through pharmacological manipulation and the introduction of appropriate genes related to serotonin metabolism, was demonstrated to attenuate hypothermic damage in cold preserved cells and tissues of non-hibernators.

The CBS/H2S mechanism is also employed during natural hibernation. Hamster lung showed extensive remodeling during cold phases of hibernation, which was rapidly reversed during euthermic periods. Remodeling of lung corresponded with an increase in tissue CBS and H2S, promoting deposition of extracellular matrix. Activation of CBS during hibernation may also provide protection against cellular damage or limit immune activation.

Last modified:13 March 2020 01.03 a.m.
Share this Facebook LinkedIn
View this page in: Nederlands

More news

  • 06 June 2025

    India-Netherlands Hydrogen Valley Fellowship Programme announced

    To coincide with World Environment Day, 5 June 2025, the Indian Department of Science and Technology and the University of Groningen yesterday announced a Hydrogen Valley Fellowship Programme Partnership, allowing talented Indian scholars working on...

  • 28 May 2025

    Gaan avondmensen cognitief sneller achteruit dan ochtendmensen?

    Wie ’s avonds opleeft en laat naar bed gaat, heeft een grotere kans op cognitieve achteruitgang dan een ochtendmens, blijkt uit UMCG-onderzoek.

  • 27 May 2025

    An adventure in the brain

    In the exhibition Brainstorm in the University Mueseum, Iris Sommer and two other brain researchers from Groningen explain the gut-brain connection, how it was discovered that the brain does what it does, and how games motivate you to perform...