# Hydrogen-rich saline attenuates anxiety-like behaviors in morphine-withdrawn mice.
> 水素富化生理食塩水によるモルヒネ離脱マウスの不安様行動の軽減


## Abstract

This animal study examined the effects of hydrogen-rich saline (HRS; 20 µg/kg, i.p.) on morphine withdrawal in mice. Morphine dependence was induced by escalating doses (25–100 mg/kg over 3 days). In naloxone-precipitated withdrawal, HRS administration reduced body weight loss, jumping frequency, and wet-dog shakes. Anxiety-like behaviors assessed via the elevated plus-maze and light/dark box paradigms were significantly diminished under both naloxone-precipitated and 2-day spontaneous withdrawal conditions. Plasma corticosterone levels were markedly lower in HRS-treated animals. No locomotor impairment was detected, suggesting the anxiolytic-like effects were not confounded by motor deficits. These findings indicate that molecular hydrogen may alleviate somatic withdrawal signs and reduce anxiety associated with opioid withdrawal.

### Mechanism

HRS administration suppressed the elevation of plasma corticosterone during morphine withdrawal, suggesting attenuation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivation as a contributing mechanism for reduced anxiety-like behaviors.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Wen D, Zhao PL, Hui R, Wang J, Shen Q, Gong M, et al.
- **Journal**: Neuropharmacology
- **Year**: 2017 (2017-05-15)
- **PMID**: [28359771](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28359771/)
- **DOI**: [10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.03.029](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.03.029)
- **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 28359771. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/28359771
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [28359771](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28359771/)