OxyFile #88

TI:  Comparison of effects on tissue oxygenation of hyperbaric 
     oxygen and intravascular hydrogen peroxide

DT:  April 7, 1967

AU:  Norman B. Ackerman, M.D., Ph.D.,
     Floyd B. Brinkley, B.S.

SO:  Investigative Surgery Vol. 63, No. 2, pp. 285-290

AB:  There are numerous pathologic conditions that are related 
     to, or caused by, a decrease in tissue oxygenation.  These 
     conditions include many cardiovascular and pulmonary 
     diseases, as well as certain infectious and toxic states.  
     During the past few years there has been considerable 
     interest in the experimental use of both hyperbaric oxygen 
     (OHP) and intravascular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as 
     techniques for improving tissue oxygenation.  Although the 
     mechanisms of action are different, both OHP and H2O2 are 
     effective in increasing tissue oxygen tensions.  The present 
     study was designed to compare the effectiveness of these 2 
     techniques.

     Measurements of tissue pO2 by polarographic electrodes in 
     the hind limb of rabbits have indicated that significant 
     increases occur following the use of both hyperbaric oxygen 
     and intra-arterial and retrograde intravenous hydrogen 
     peroxide.  The effect from the H2O2 is delayed until the 
     oxygen diffuses slowly into these tissues, but the effect is 
     maintained for a longer period after discontinuation of the 
     infusion.  Hyperbaric oxygen causes an almost immediate rise 
     in tissue pO2 and when discontinued causes an almost 
     immediate fall in the elevated levels.  Intravenous hydrogen 
     peroxide cause no change in the tissue pO2 levels.  Ratios 
     of peak/control tissue pO2 levels caused by OHP at 2 ATA, 
     and 0.2 percent H2O2 administered intra-arterially at 0.5 to 
     2 ml. per minute were 4.44 and 5.96, respectively, 
     indicating that the effect of the peroxide was equivalent to 
     the effect of hyperbaric oxygen at a pressure of at least 2 
     ATA.