Abstract: 【Abstract】Objective The aim of the study was to explore the role and expression of H2S in the kidney of diabetic nephropathic rats. Methods Glomerular pathology, H2S generating enzyme activity in kidney, and relative amount of cystathionine -γ-lyase (CSE) mRNA and cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) mRNA, the mRNAs of the two endogenous H2S synthesis enzymes, in kidney were compared among diabetic nephropathic group (DN group), DN+ NaHS group (H2S group) and control group. Results H2S generating enzyme activity and the relative amount of CSE mRNA were significantly decreased in kidney in DN group (p<0.01), but CBS mRNA was similar in the 3 groups (p>0.05). Glomerular pathology was less severe in H2S group than in DN group. Conclusion The decrease of endogenous H2S in DN group may result from the lower expression of CSE in the kidney. Exogenous H2S treatment may delay the progression of diabetic nephropathy.

Key words: Diabetic nephropathy, Cystathionine-β-synthase, Cystathionine-γ-lyase