Influence of the short-term inhalation of hydrogen sulfide in rats.

Abstract

The effects of the short-term inhalation of hydrogen sulfide were studied on rats that were exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas (75 ppm) for 20 to 60 min. The levels of hydrogen sulfide were higher in most of the tissues than that of the blood shortly after the exposure to the gas. The highest level of hydrogen sulfide was obtained in the heart, followed by kidney, brain, spleen, liver and lung. Biochemical parameters in the serum increased the level of GOT but those of alkaline phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen, sodium ion, potassium ion and creatinine remained unchanged. Physiological examination revealed a reduction in the heart beat and delayed P-Q intervals on electrocardiograms during the exposure for 60 min. Histopathological examination demonstrated a slight congestion in the lungs but no abnormal lesions in other tissues. The results indicate that the short-term inhalation of hydrogen sulfide at a concentration of 75 ppm could evoke overall acute toxicity, mainly in cardiovascular system.