Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygenation on Longitudinal Growth of Bones

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Abstract
The effect of hyperbaric oxygenation on longitudinal growth of bones was studied in 64 white rabbits of the same breed. At the time of the experiment the animals were 5-7 weeks old and weighed 600-1800 g and were from 12 litters. Pure O2 at 2 atmospheres absolute pressure was given to 20 rabbits, air at 2 atmospheres absolute to 18 litter mates, pure O2 at 1 atmosphere absolute to 6 rabbits and air at 1 atmosphere to 12 rabbits. At the beginning and end of each experiment the animals were weighed. Eight animals, 4 that received pure O2 and 4 that received air, were excluded because of loss of body weight. The details of the experimental technique are described. Growth was measured by the oxytetracycline method. The details of this method are described. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the stimulation is caused by arterial hyperemia or by passive venous stasis. The young rabbits were exposed to pure O2 at 1 and 2 atmospheres absolute pressure for 2+2+2 hr. in a single day. This was done to determine whether or not the growth rate could be stimulated. O2 breathing seemed to accelerate the rate of growth by 2% the day of treatment. This was followed by a deceleration of 7% the day after treatment. The results, which are discussed with special reference to the mechanisms involved, are presented by graphs, and photomicrographs. The work to be continued is outlined. There is an extensive bibliography.