The primary gasotransmitters and their respective donors in the mission
of vision (eye health): a comprehensive overview
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) along with Carbon monoxide (CO) and Hydrogen Sulphide
(H2S) are biologically significant gaseous molecules generally called as
“gasotransmitters”. At a concentration higher or lower than optimum
value may result in toxicity or malfunctioning of mammalian tissues.
Soon after the acknowledgment of NO as multifunctional bio-signalling
molecule in 1987, many interesting implications of this field emerged
out. Meanwhile, several studies have proven the NO-biosynthetic pathway
responsible for normal functioning of eye. High intraocular pressure
(IOP) has been suggested as the main risk factor in this context and
collaborative approach with nitric oxide releasers is said to control
IOP and hence the relation with glaucoma. Similar miracles were
reflected from several other naturally produced gaseous molecules,viz.,
CO and H2S after year 1990. The biological roles of both these molecules
are now widely accepted and in the current era investigations focused
mainly with development of efficient CO and H2S releasing compounds. CO
and H2S donors are also said to help in normalising IOP like NO.
Therefore the trio-gasotransmitters have collective relation with the
ophthalmic homeostasis in association with nervous control. On one hand,
the antimicrobial efficiency of these three molecules is widely known
and on the other hand, their collaborative key-role in ocular nerve
functioning makes it remarkable to state here that their donors are
supposed to act as a shield for both the infectious as well as the
non-infectious eye defects.