Description
AP39 is a compound used to increase the levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) within mitochondria. It consists of a mitochondria-targeting motif (triphenylphosphonium) coupled to an H2S-donating moiety (dithiolethione) by an aliphatic linker. AP39 (30-300 nM) dose-dependently increases H2S levels in endothelial cells, predominantly in mitochondrial regions. It stimulates mitochondrial electron transport and improves cellular bioenergetic function at lower concentrations (30-100 nM), while having an inhibitory effect at 300 nM. Under oxidative stress conditions induced by glucose oxidase, AP39 has antioxidant and cytoprotective effects. AP39 is effective in vivo, inhibiting voltage-dependent T-type calcium channels and improving hemodynamic parameters in rats