P108 Hydrogen sulfide releaser with xanthone-type photocages

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) has been recognized as one of the important gaseous cellular signaling molecules. H 2 S is considered to be involved in vascular relaxation, neurotransmission, and inflammation. To investigate the physiological and pharmacological actions of H 2 S, the compounds releasing H 2 S in situ are very useful due to its toxicity and instability. Although inorganic sulfide salts such as NaSH have been commonly used as H 2 S releasing chemicals, several H 2 S releasing organic compounds were reported so far. We are also interesting in H 2 S releasing organic molecules, and previously developed a photocontrollable H 2 S releaser based on the photochemical reaction of ketoprofen-derived photocage (photolabile protecting group). The ketoprofen-type photocage showed good reactivity in biological fluid. We further envisaged development of photocontrollable H 2 S releasers with other photocages, especially absorbing longer wavelength light, and in this study, we designed and synthesized a new photocontrollable H 2 S releaser with xanthone-type photocages, which can release H 2 S by light irradiation in the 330–380 nm range. The compound could release H 2 S more efficiently than our previous one, and was applicable to cultured cells.