Posted by John Walker on January 19, 2001 at 17:58:05:
In Reply to: Some Nitrox/Mixed Gas Partial Pressure Questions posted by mattschechter on January 17, 2001 at 20:39:26:
Matt, Oxtox appears to be related to the increased level of free electrons which are present during increased increased oxidative metobilsm. Superoxide Dimutase (SOD) converts oxygen free radical into Hydrogen Peroxide H202. Hydrogen Peroxide is a Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)and can increase up to 700% during hypoxia. H202 can be detoxified by Glutathoine and Reduced Glutathione. Both are required for the detoxification. Levels of Reduced Glutathione injected into test subjects have shown an increased time to a hyperoxic seizure.
Superoxide conversion and other enzymes create H202. Monoamine oxidase (MOA) converts catecholimines into H2)2. This is an important part to us divers. Just intering the water elevateds our levels of catecholimines, let alone exersion and cold and a host of others. Drugs that inhibit MOA delay the onset of a seizure indicating that the level of catecholimines may lead to the increased production of Hydrogen Peroxide.
If any of this seems benificial let me know. You can also learn more in a Nitrox class. They are cheap (around $125 at Scuba Toys) and informative even if you don't want to dive oxygen enriched gases.
John Walker