Abstract
Summary
1. Succinic dehydrogenase, ca-thepsin and acid phosphatase activities and soluble and total nitrogen were determined in homogenates of the cerebral hemispheres, liver and kidney from rats previously exposed to normal air, and 100% oxygen for 2 hours at 1 and 3 atmospheres, and for 11/2 hours at 5 atmospheres. 2. HPO caused a decrease of succinic dehydrogenase activity and an increase in free lysosomal enzymatic activities with increasing pressure. 3. There was a slight decrease in percent soluble nitrogen at 1 and 3 atmospheres, and a marked increase at 5 atmospheres. 4. Increased free lysosomal enzyme activities and subsequent solubilization of protein structures are major destructive factors in high pressure oxygen toxicity.
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