Exposure to low levels of hydrogen sulfide elevates circulating glucose in maternal rats.

Although the lethal effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has long been known, the results of exposure to low levels of H2S have not been well documented. Rat dams and pups were exposed to low levels of H2S (less than or equal to 75 ppm) from d 1 of gestation until d 21 postpartum and analyzed for changes in circulating enzymatic activity and metabolites. Blood glucose was significantly elevated in maternal blood on d 21 postpartum at all exposure levels. This increase in glucose was accompanied by a possible decrease in serum triglyceride in the pups and in the dams on d 21 postpartum. There was no evidence of alterations in serum alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, or serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase.