Dual effects of hyperbaric oxygen on proliferation and cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity of rat splenic lymphocytes
Liu, W.; Zhang, J.; Ma, C.; Liu, Y.; Li, R.; Sun, X.; Zhang, J.; Xu, W.G.
Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Journal of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society Inc 36(3): 155-160
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 1066-2936 PMID: 19860137 Document Number: 631041
Contradictory reports exist regarding the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) on immune functions. We hypothesized that the intensity of exposure is a key factor, which leads to the different effects of HBO2 on immunity. In this study, we determined the function of rat splenic lymphocytes after in vitro exposure to different pressure-durations of HBO2. The proliferation rate and total cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity stimulated by concanavalin A were enhanced by exposure to low (100 kPa for 60 or 90 minutes and 150 kPa for 30 or 60 minutes) HBO2 pressure-durations, but were inhibited by exposure to higher pressure-durations. We conclude that HBO2 exerts dual effects on lymphocyte function, as appropriate exposure promotes and excessive exposure inhibits the functions.