# Targeting molecular hydrogen to mitochondria: barriers and gateways.
> ミトコンドリアへの分子状水素送達における障壁と経路に関する考察


## Abstract

The intracellular kinetics and mitochondrial utilization of molecular hydrogen (H2) remain incompletely characterized despite growing recognition of its biomedical relevance. Mitochondria possess a double-membrane architecture and a substantial membrane potential, both of which are key determinants of organelle stability and regulate molecular transport across the mitochondrial compartment. This perspective review examines the structural and biophysical factors that may either impede or facilitate H2 delivery to mitochondria, with particular attention to conditions in which mitochondrial dysfunction plays a central role. Potential obstacles related to membrane permeability and electrochemical gradients are discussed alongside possible advantages conferred by the physicochemical properties of H2.

### Mechanism

The double-membrane structure and large electrochemical membrane potential of mitochondria regulate molecular transport, potentially acting as barriers to H2 entry into the organelle.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Ostojic SM
- **Journal**: Pharmacol Res
- **Year**: 2015
- **PMID**: [25720951](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25720951/)
- **DOI**: [10.1016/j.phrs.2015.02.004](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2015.02.004)
- **Study type**: review
- **Delivery route**: not specified
- **Effect reported**: not assessed

## Delivery context

The delivery route is not clearly identifiable from this paper. For hydrogen intake, inhalation is the most efficient route; inhalation, however, carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are not recommended).

## Safety notes

The delivery route is not clearly identifiable from this paper. For hydrogen intake, inhalation is the most efficient route; inhalation, however, carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration 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)

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> **Cite as**: H2 Papers — PMID 25720951. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/25720951
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [25720951](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25720951/)