US EPA

2735234 

Journal Article 

Abstract 

Red cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate and oxygen toxicity in rats 

Weissberg, JB; Crapo, JD 

1974 

1 

Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology
ISSN: 0041-008X
EISSN: 1096-0333 

29 

1 

131-132 

English 

is part of a larger document 3378179 Abstracts of papers for the Thirteenth Annual Meeting of the Society of Toxicology, Washington, D.C. March 10–14, 1974

Studies were undertaken to investigate red cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) metabolism in rats exposed to high oxygen tensions. Previous investigators have shown that 2,3-DPG decreases the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen by specifically binding to deoxyhemoglobin. Elevations in red cell 2,3-DPG with resultant enhanced availability of oxygen to tissues have been reported in instances of lowered arterial oxygen tension. If under high oxygen tensions 2,3-DPG concentrations decline, less oxygen would be available to tissues, and the toxic effects of oxygen may be reduced. Large male rats (greater than 9 weeks of age) were exposed to 100% O2. No change in red cell 2,3-DPG concentrations occurred after 24, 48 and 60 hr of exposure. A 31% increase in 2,3-DPG was observed after 24 hr of exposure to 10% O2. However, younger (3- to 4-week-old) male rats showed a 22% decline in red cell 2,3-DPG after 24 hr in 100% O2. This effect persisted throughout a 7-day exposure period. The younger animals were also shown to be less responsive to the toxic effects of oxygen. While older rats died after 60-72 hr of exposure to 100% O2, the young rats survived for prolonged periods. A differential response between young and older rats exposed to toxic levels of oxygen has been observed, and it is postulated that 2,3-DPG may have a role in protection against the toxic effects of oxygen. 

Thirteenth Annual Meeting of the Society of Toxicology 

Washington, D.C. 

March 10–14, 1974