Studies on Oxygen Poisoning: Protective Effect of -Mercaptoethylamine

Abstract

The investigations of possible manifestations pointing to a common path of action between the initial effects of X-irradiation and O2 poisoning (after exposure to 6 atmospheres of O2) prompted the authors to study the effect of beta-mercaptoethylamine (known to decrease X-irradiation lethality) against O2 poisoning in mice. Beta-mercaptoethylamine (3.33 mg./20 g. body wt.) greatly increased the survival time of mice submitted to 6 atmospheres of O2. Indication of a protective action of Coenzyme A was also obtained.