Mechanisms of Physiological and Neurotoxic Action of Hyperbaric Oxygen

During the period of use of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) in medical treatment and in scuba diving, extensive knowledge has been accumulated about the mechanisms of its biological action. In the present work, we analyze the experimental data of recent years related to the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the physiological and neurotoxic effects of hyperbaric oxygen. New data on the physiological action of HBO2 concern the mechanisms of hyperoxic vasoconstriction and baroreflex activation in hyperoxia. The toxic effect of hyperbaric oxygen is realized through the intensive production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which cause post-translational modification of proteins responsible for neuronal electrogenesis and synaptic transmission in the GABAergic system of the brain.