Abstract

 


Objectives: We examined the histopathological changes in the respiratory system of the rats induced by hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) administration and the effects of vitamin E and C on these alterations.

Materials and Methods: Thirty adult rats were divided into three groups as control, HBO and HBO+Vit groups. Twenty animals in HBO and HBO+Vit groups were exposed to HBO on a daily basis for 45 days. Additionally, vitamin E and C were administered to the rats in the HB0+ Vit group intraperitoneally during HBO exposure.

Results: Histologic examination in HBO group demonstrated epithelial thickening in the trachea, increase in the thickness of alveolar septae, emphysema and mononuclear cell infiltration in lung tissue. Vitamin administration in addition to HBO seemed to reduce the negative effects of HBO on the trachea and lungs of the rats.

Conclusions: It is concluded that vitamin E and C have positive effect on limiting the tissue damage caused by HBO.

Key words: HBO, lung, trachea, anti oxidant treatment.