a b s t r a c tHydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is a crucial signaling molecule involved in several physiological and pathological processes. Nonetheless, the role of this gasotransmitter in the pathogenesis and treatment of neuropathic pain is controversial.The aim of the present study was to investigate the pain relieving profile of a series of slow releasing H 2 S donors (the natural allyl-isothiocyanate and the synthetics phenyl-and carboxyphenylisothiocyanate) in animal models of neuropathic pain induced by paclitaxel or oxaliplatin, anticancer drugs characterized by a dose-limiting neurotoxicity. The potential contribution of Kv7 potassium channels modulation was also studied.Mice were treated with paclitaxel (2.0 mg kg
À1) i.p. on days 1, 3, 5 and 7; oxaliplatin (2.4 mg kg
À1) was administered i.p. on days 1e2, 5e9, 12e14. Behavioral tests were performed on day 15. In both models, single subcutaneous administrations of H 2 S donors (1.33, 4.43, 13.31 mmol kg À1 ) reduced the hypersensitivity to cold non-noxious stimuli (allodynia-related measurement). The prototypical H 2 S donor NaHS was also effective. Activity was maintained after i.c.v. administrations. On the contrary, the Slacking molecule allyl-isocyanate did not increase pain threshold; the H 2 S-binding molecule hemoglobin abolished the pain-relieving effects of isothiocyanates and NaHS. The anti-neuropathic properties of H 2 S donors were reverted by the Kv7 potassium channel blocker XE991. Currents carried by Kv7.2 homomers and Kv7.2/Kv7.3 heteromers expressed in CHO cells were potentiated by H 2 S donors.Sistemically-or centrally-administered isothiocyanates reduced chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain by releasing H 2 S. Activation of Kv7 channels largely mediate the anti-neuropathic effect.