# Molecular Hydrogen Prevents Social Deficits and Depression-Like Behaviors Induced by Low-Intensity Blast in Mice.
> 低強度爆風による社会行動障害およびうつ様行動に対する水素分子の予防効果（マウスモデル）


## Abstract

Blast waves from explosive detonations can cause brain injury even without visible external trauma. Blast-induced mild traumatic brain injury (bmTBI) is increasingly prevalent in military personnel and is associated with blood-brain barrier disruption, oxidative stress, cerebral edema, psychiatric morbidity, and cognitive impairment. Using a laboratory-scale shock tube apparatus in mice, this study examined whether molecular hydrogen gas inhalation could mitigate bmTBI-related behavioral outcomes. Animals exposed to low-intensity blast and subsequently administered hydrogen gas showed significant reductions in social deficits and depression-like behaviors compared with untreated blast-exposed controls. These findings suggest that the antioxidant properties of molecular hydrogen may underlie its protective effects in this model of blast neurotrauma.

### Mechanism

Molecular hydrogen is proposed to exert neuroprotective effects by scavenging reactive oxygen species generated after blast exposure, thereby reducing oxidative stress, blood-brain barrier disruption, and cerebral edema that underlie behavioral deficits in bmTBI.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Satoh Y, Araki Y, Kashitani M, Nishii K, Kobayashi Y, Fujita M, et al.
- **Journal**: J Neuropathol Exp Neurol
- **Year**: 2018 (2018-09-01)
- **PMID**: [30053086](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30053086/)
- **DOI**: [10.1093/jnen/nly060](https://doi.org/10.1093/jnen/nly060)
- **Study type**: animal study
- **Delivery route**: inhalation
- **Effect reported**: positive

## Delivery context

For inhalation applications of molecular hydrogen, the lower flammability limit (LFL) deserves careful handling. The classical 4% figure applies to closed-system mixtures; the practical inhalation-environment threshold is 10%. Even pure-hydrogen output (the UFL 75% paradox) passes through the flammable range at the air–gas boundary. High-concentration (66% / 100%) inhalers are documented in the Japanese Consumer Affairs Agency accident-information database and are not recommended.

## Safety notes

For inhalation applications of molecular hydrogen, the lower flammability limit (LFL) deserves careful handling. The classical 4% figure applies to closed-system mixtures; the practical inhalation-environment threshold is 10%. Even pure-hydrogen output (the UFL 75% paradox) passes through the flammable range at the air–gas boundary. High-concentration (66% / 100%) inhalers are documented in the Japanese Consumer Affairs Agency accident-information database and 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)
- [LFL / UFL terminology](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/lfl-ufl-explained)
- [Inhalation safety threshold lineage](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/lineage)

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> **Cite as**: H2 Papers — PMID 30053086. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/30053086
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [30053086](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30053086/)