[Effect of prolonged hyperoxia on rabbit lung lipids and their fatty acid content (author's transl)]

The effect of a 36-hour hyperoxia (60 % oxygen) on rabbit lung lipids has been investigated. It has been established that hyperoxia leads to the increase of all lipid fractions in lung tissue and alveolar surfactant, phospholipid and cholesterol being most significantly affected. It has also been found that hyperoxia leads to the decrease of palmitic acid and to the increase of linoleic and arachidonic acids almost in all lipid fractions. Marked changes in the positional distribution of fatty acids in alveolar surfactant phosphatidylcholine have also been observed. The possible mechanisms of the effect of oxygen on lung lipid metabolism have been discussed, and the consequences ensuing from it which could affect the structural organization of membranes have been evaluated.