The hydrogen sulfide donor IK‐1001 stimulates neovascularization and improves wound healing

Here we studied the effects of the novel biological mediator hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on angiogenesis and wound healing. We have utilized IK‐1001, an aqueous formulation of H2S. Treatment of chicken chorioallantoic membranes with H2S (0.24–240 pmol/egg) increased vascular length. In vitro, incubation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with H2S (6 uM to 600 uM concentration) promoted cell growth. In addition, treatment of the cells with H2S (60 uM) increased their migration and capillary morphogenesis on matrigel. We have next tested the potential effect of hydrogen sulfide in a wound healing model. Rats received a 30% total body surface area dorsal full‐thickness scald burn under deep anesthesia. Starting at 48h post burn, the animals received daily subcutaneous injections at four equally spaced sites in the transition zone between burn eschar and healthy tissue. IK‐1001 (0.1 mg per injection) or saline control was used at each time point. After four weeks, the burn eschar was removed and the remaining wound area as well as the degree of re‐epithelialization determined. Re‐epithelialization was improved in the presence of hydrogen sulfide (24±2% vs. 16±5%, p<0.02). Our results demonstrate the pro‐angiogenetic and wound healing promoting effects of hydrogen sulfide.