# Hydrogen-rich saline promotes survival of retinal ganglion cells in a rat model of optic nerve crush.
> 水素豊富生理食塩水による視神経挫滅ラットモデルにおける網膜神経節細胞の生存促進効果


## Abstract

Using a rat optic nerve crush (ONC) model, this study examined whether daily administration of hydrogen-rich saline for 14 days post-injury could protect retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Histological assessments via H&E staining, gamma synuclein immunostaining, cholera toxin beta tracing, and TUNEL staining revealed significantly higher RGC survival and reduced apoptosis in hydrogen-treated animals compared with saline controls. Retinal malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were markedly lower in the hydrogen group, indicating reduced lipid peroxidation. Functional evaluations using flash visual evoked potentials and pupillary light reflex demonstrated better preservation of optic nerve function in hydrogen-treated rats. These findings collectively indicate that molecular hydrogen exerts neuroprotective effects on RGCs and helps maintain visual function after ONC.

### Mechanism

Hydrogen-rich saline is thought to reduce oxidative stress by suppressing lipid peroxidation, as evidenced by lower retinal MDA levels, thereby decreasing RGC apoptosis and conferring neuroprotection following optic nerve crush injury.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Sun JC, Xu T, Zuo Q, Wang R, Qi AQ, Cao WL, et al.
- **Journal**: PLoS One
- **Year**: 2014
- **PMID**: [24915536](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24915536/)
- **DOI**: [10.1371/journal.pone.0099299](https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0099299)
- **PMC**: [PMC4051757](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4051757/)
- **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 24915536. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/24915536
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [24915536](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24915536/)