TOXIC EFFECTS IN MONKEYS EXPOSED TO 100% OXYGEN AT AMBIENT PRESSURE

Abstract : Thirty-two monkeys were exposed to 100% oxygen at 750 mm Hg pressure for 4, 7, or 12 days, and the effects of this atmosphere on liver, kidney and lung morphology, kidney function, liver and kidney cellular respiration and energy production, and blood gas levels were studied. The mortality rate was approximately 40%. There was a mild uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation and a decrease in ATP levels in liver and kidney tissue at all exposure times and a decrease in kidney function at 4 days with a return to normal levels by 12 days. However, the major effect was seen in the lung where the degree and time sequence of lung damage correlated fairly well with the blood Po2 levels. There were mild morphological changes at 4 days, with more severe effects at 7 days. At 12 days, four out of five monkeys had major lung damage whereas the remaining animal seemed to have only minor changes. The cause of death appeared to be hypoxia from severe diffuse lung damage.