摘要
To investigate if hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) may induce structural changes of neurons in hippocampus from infantile rats and if the changes are reversible. Methods: All 27 healthy SD infantile rats were exposed to HBO ( 0.25 MPa) or hyperbaric air (HBA) for 1 to 3 courses (10 days as 1 course). The hippocampus was taken at the end of each course to observe its morphology by light microscope and electron microscope. Results: HBO exposure induced capillary dilation, nuclear membrane winding or blurring and some mitochondria swelling with its crista blurring in neurons. The changes occurred after 1 course exposure and became significant with time. Most of the changes recovered 20 days after stopping exposure. No change was found after HBA exposure. Conclusions: Long-term HBO exposure can cause capillary dilation and ultrastructural injury of neurons in hippocampus from infantile rats. The damage is not serious, but reversible.
