Hydrogen sulfide: Therapeutic or injurious in ischemic stroke?

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has been identified as a vasodilatory, neuromodulatory, and anti-inflammatory gasotransmitter with antioxidant properties. Studies focused in cardiac tissue suggest H₂S functions as a protective agent; however in the central nervous system (CNS) the effects of H₂S during states of stress or injury, such as stroke, remain controversial. Currently, the application of H₂S donors and modulators in stroke depends on the type of H₂S donor and the timing of the therapy.