Effect of hyperoxic medium on cells, tissues and organs of experimental animals

Data on the general morphology, ultrastructure and histochemistry of various organs of experimental animals during hyperoxia are reviewed. Basically, information is presented on the effect of 100% O2 at normal barometric pressure. Oxygen damages the vascular wall by eosinophilic infiltration of tissues and has a pronounced action on the condition of the ultrastructure and metabolism of cells. Initially there is activation of metabolisms of cells without visible morphological changes. This period (6 hours) is considered on the whole as harmless for the organism. Later (after 12 hours) phenomena of a pathological nature arise. A compensatory increase in the activity of glycolytic enzymes ensures following the appearance of secondary hypoxia in tissues.