Biochemical and pathological changes in response to hyperoxia and protection by antioxidants in rats.

ABSTRACT

A significant decrease in blood haemoglobin, reduced glutathione and protein in lung and liver, without any change in blood reduced glutathione, was observed in rats exposed to 80% oxygen. Hydrogen peroxide induced erythrocyte haemolysis was significantly increased following exposure to hyperoxia. The lungs of rats exposed to hyperoxia showed perivascular edema. Simultaneous treatment with antioxidants, vitamin A, C, or E, protected the animals against oxygen toxicity.