Hydrogen sulfide is a gas best known for its rotten egg smell. Although generally considered toxic, our bodies produce it in small amounts. It is thought to help keep our heart and other organs healthy and may be involved in signalling. Altered levels of H2S have been implicated in a number of diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Down’s Syndrome.
Scientists in China have reported a fluorescent probe for detecting H2S in blood and brain tissue. Although other probes are known, this one has the advantage of being fast in addition to selective and sensitive. The team used it to test H2S levels in mice blood and brain tissue. They say it is the first probe that could allow parallel measurements of H2S concentrations in both blood and tissues.
Link to journal article
A Fluorescent Probe for Rapid Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide in Blood Plasma and Brain Tissues in Mice
Y Qian et al
Chem. Sci., 2012, DOI: 10.1039/c2sc20537h
