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Interactions of the gasotransmitters contribute to microvascular tone (dys)regulation in the preterm neonate

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posted on 2025-05-09, 11:38 authored by Rebecca DysonRebecca Dyson, Hannah PalliserHannah Palliser, Joanna LatterJoanna Latter, Megan A. Kelly, Grazyna Chwatko, Rafal Glowacki, Ian M. R. Wright
Background & Aims: Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), nitric oxide (NO), and carbon monoxide (CO) are involved in transitional microvascular tone dysregulation in the preterm infant; however there is conflicting evidence on the interaction of these gasotransmitters, and their overall contribution to the microcirculation in newborns is not known. The aim of this study was to measure the levels of all 3 gasotransmitters, characterise their interrelationships and elucidate their combined effects on microvascular blood flow. Methods: 90 preterm neonates were studied at 24h postnatal age. Microvascular studies were performed by laser Doppler. Arterial COHb levels (a measure of CO) were determined through co-oximetry. NO was measured as nitrate and nitrite in urine. H₂S was measured as thiosulphate by liquid chromatography. Relationships between levels of the gasotransmitters and microvascular blood flow were assessed through partial correlation controlling for the influence of gestational age. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the combination of these effects on microvascular blood flow and derive a theoretical model of their interactions. Results: No relationship was observed between NO and CO (p = 0.18, r = 0.18). A positive relationship between NO and H₂S (p = 0.008, r = 0.28) and an inverse relationship between CO and H₂S (p = 0.01, r = -0.33) exists. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the combination of these effects on microvascular blood flow. The model with the best fit is presented. Conclusions: The relationships between NO and H₂S, and CO and H₂S may be of importance in the preterm newborn, particularly as NO levels in males are associated with higher H2S levels and higher microvascular blood flow and CO in females appears to convey protection against vascular dysregulation. Here we present a theoretical model of these interactions and their overall effects on microvascular flow in the preterm newborn, upon which future mechanistic studies may be based.

Funding

NHMRC

569285

History

Journal title

PLoS One

Volume

10

Issue

3

Publisher

Public Library of Science (PLoS)

Language

  • en, English

College/Research Centre

Faculty of Health and Medicine

School

School of Medicine and Public Health

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