Quasi-total-body exposure to an oxygen-ozone mixture in a sauna cabin

We have investigated the effects of quasi-total-body exposure of healthy vo lunteers to either an oxygen-ozone mixture (O-2-O-3) Or to oxygen (O-2) alo ne during a short period in a sauna cabin. The subjects underwent both an e xperimental and a control examination, separated by a 3.5-month interval. B ody mass, blood pressure, body temperature changes, electrocardiograms, ven ous blood gas and haemocytometric analyses, total antioxidant status and pl asma levels of protein thiol groups, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance s (TBARS), plasma cytokine, hepatic enzymes and creatine were determined be fore, immediately after the 20-min period in the cabin and then 0.5, 1.0 an d 24 h afterwards. We observed statistically significant variations of body temperature, venous partial pressure of O-2 values, TEARS and plasma level s of interleukin 8, particularly after O-2-O-3 exposure. The increase in TE ARS plasma levels concomitant with protein oxidation has been tentatively i nterpreted as being attributable to the transcutaneous passage of some reac tive O-2 species, which should be considered if this approach is to be used as a biological response modifier. However, in the present study no advers e effects were noted after one session.