Hydrogen Sulfide and Reactive Oxygen Species Scavengers Have a Protective Effect on Carbachol-Induced Contractions That are Impaired by High Glucose in Detrusor Smooth Muscle

Objective: Urinary bladder dysfunction, one of the most common diabetic complications, is associated with bladder overactivity, increased bladder capacity, and impaired bladder smooth muscle contractions. The involvement of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) in pathological disorders such as diabetes mellitus has been suggested. Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS)-treatment can distinctly reduce high glucose-induce cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in increased concentrations in diabetes and may cause tissue damage, thus impaired smooth muscle function. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of H 2 S and ROS on carbachol-induced detrusor smooth muscle contractions under high glucose conditions. Materials and Methods: Cumulative (10 nM-30 µM) carbachol contraction responses were obtained in bladder detrusor smooth muscle strips isolated from male New Zealand albino rabbit bladders in the control group and in high glucose conditions (30 min incubation in Krebs’ Henseleit solution with high glucose). Responses were repeated in the presence of NaHS, catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and their combinations. Contractions were expressed as a percentage of 80 mM K+ response and p<0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results: Cumulative contractile responses were elicited with carbachol in control group and these responses were significantly increased in the presence of high glucose. Increased carbachol contractile responses in high glucose were significantly reduced in the presence of catalase, SOD and NaHS. Conclusion: Based on these results, we propose that H 2 S donors and ROS scavengers have probable benefits in treating diabetic complications such as urinary bladder dysfunction.