[Current aspects of mechanisms underlying effects of multi-component natural gas, its toxicity and selectivity].

Experiments on animals included acute, subacute and chronic inhalation of natural gas containing hydrogen sulfide. The multi-component natural gas was proved to induce more intensive toxic effects, than its components do. When inhaled in concentrations equal to the MACs for its components, the gas induces higher permeability of cellular membranes, compromised biocatalysis systems, 2 times increased lipid peroxidation, disturbed thiol disulfide balance. Mechanism underlying primary effect of the natural gas is associated mostly with activated free radicals, methylation and oxidation of sulfur compounds and their interaction with proteins containing sulfides and metals.