H2S induces a suspended animation-like state in mice.
Mammals normally maintain their core body temperature (CBT) despite changes in environmental temperature. Exceptions to this norm include suspended animation-like states such as hibernation, torpor, and estivation. These states are all characterized by marked decreases in metabolic rate, followed by a loss of homeothermic control in which the animal's CBT approaches that of the environment. We report that hydrogen sulfide can induce a suspended animation-like state in a nonhibernating species, the house mouse (Mus musculus). This state is readily reversible and does not appear to harm the animal. This suggests the possibility of inducing suspended animation-like states for medical applications.
Blackstone
Eric
E
Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
Morrison
Mike
M
Roth
Mark B
MB
D000818:Animals; D001481:Basal Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects*; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000187:drug effects*; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004956:Estivation; D005260:Female; D006605:Hibernation; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000187:drug effects; D013696:Temperature
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide