title: Growth and development in the rat during sub-chronic exposure to low levels of hydrogen sulfide.
abstract: The effects of low levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on mammalian growth and development are unknown although it has long been postulated that H2S can inhibit critical developmental functions through the cleavage of disulfide bonds and chelation of essential metal ions. Gravid rat dams exposed to H2S (less than or equal to 75 PPM) from day 6 of gestation until day 21 postpartum (PP) demonstrated normal reproductive parameters until parturition. At parturition, however, delivery time was extended in a dose dependent manner with a maximum increase of 42% at 75 PPM. Maternal liver cholesterol content was elevated significantly on day 21 postpartum following exposure to 75 PPM H2S each day for 6 weeks. Pups which were exposed in utero and neonatally to day 21 postpartum developed with a subtle decrease in time of ear detachment and hair development and with no other observed change in growth and development through day 21 postpartum.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Hayden
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Goeden
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Roth
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000378:metabolism; D004247:DNA / Q000187:drug effects; D004326:Drinking / Q000187:drug effects; D004435:Eating / Q000187:drug effects; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000187:drug effects; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D011506:Proteins / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D011506:Proteins; D004247:DNA; D002784:Cholesterol; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide