Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered an enzyme in blood vessels which produces small amounts of hydrogen sulphide, the gas responsible for the smell of rotten eggs and flatulence. The discovery is notable for the fact that the gas signals blood vessels to relax, dilate, and thereby lower blood pressure. Another gas that functions in a similar manner is nitric oxide, which is often used in the treatment of heart disease. Scientists are hoping to base future blood pressure medications on the discovery of this gas.
Posts Tagged ‘gas’
October 23, 2008


Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.