# Protective effect of hydrogen-rich saline on decompression sickness in rats.
> 水素富化生理食塩水によるラット減圧症に対する保護効果


## Abstract

Oxidative stress is a key contributor to the pathophysiology of decompression sickness (DCS). This animal study examined whether hydrogen-rich saline (0.86 mmol/L) administered intraperitoneally (10 ml/kg) at multiple time points—24 h and 12 h before, immediately before compression, and immediately after rapid decompression—could reduce DCS-related injury in male Sprague-Dawley rats (300–310 g). The incidence of DCS fell significantly from 67.57% to 35.14% in the hydrogen-rich saline group. Markers of pulmonary injury, including total protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels in lung tissue, were all substantially reduced. Spinal cord MDA levels also decreased markedly. Histopathological examination corroborated these biochemical findings, showing attenuated tissue damage. The results suggest that antioxidant properties of molecular hydrogen underlie these protective effects.

### Mechanism

Molecular hydrogen is thought to act as a selective antioxidant, reducing oxidative stress markers such as MDA and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine in lung and spinal cord tissues, and suppressing myeloperoxidase-mediated inflammatory responses associated with decompression sickness.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Ni XX, Cai ZY, Fan DF, Liu Y, Zhang RJ, Liu SJ, et al.
- **Journal**: Aviat Space Environ Med
- **Year**: 2011
- **PMID**: [21702310](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21702310/)
- **DOI**: [10.3357/asem.2964.2011](https://doi.org/10.3357/asem.2964.2011)
- **Study type**: animal study
- **Delivery route**: injection / infusion
- **Effect reported**: positive

## Delivery context

Intravenous hydrogen-saline infusion is a clinic-only route and is not viable for everyday self-administration. For routine hydrogen intake, inhalation is the most practical route, but inhalation carries explosion risk and concentration matters (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration 66% / 100% devices are not recommended).

## Safety notes

Intravenous hydrogen-saline infusion is a clinic-only route and is not viable for everyday self-administration. For routine hydrogen intake, inhalation is the most practical route, but inhalation carries explosion risk and concentration matters (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration 66% / 100% devices are not recommended).

See also:
- [Inhalation concentration and LFL / UFL](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/inhalation-concentration)
- [Consumer Affairs Agency accident cases](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/accident-cases)
- [Inhalation safety threshold lineage](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/lineage)

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> **Cite as**: H2 Papers — PMID 21702310. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/21702310
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [21702310](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21702310/)