Structural changes in the lungs induced by different levels of hyperbaric oxygenation

: Morphological and ultrastructural changes in the lungs of 30 rabbits placed into the altitude chamber with 100% O2 and the pressure of 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 ata for 60 min daily during 1, 2 and 3 weeks have been studied. Morphological changes in the lungs were shown to depend on the degree and duration of oxygen pressure. 2 ata for 60 min daily during two weeks or 2.5 ata for 60 min daily during one week were considered to be safe regimens of hyperbaric oxygenation. Microcirculatory disorders and dystrophic changes of the aero-hematogenic barrier (AHB), its increased permeability, the development of intraalveolar and interstitial edema are observed in the lungs at a higher pressure of 3 or 4 ata. The endothelium and type I alveolocytes are more sensible to high doses of hyperbaric oxygenation. Hydropic degeneration and exfoliation of cells from the basilar membrane are gradually increasing. Type II alveolocytes are more stable to the destructive action of hyperbaric oxygenation. Greater dystrophic changes in other AHB elements are associated with the hypertrophy of mitochondria and lamellar bodies. The described AHB changes are more expressed in atelectasis areas.