Effect of changes in inspired oxygen tension on wound metabolism.

This work was prompted by earlier findings of the beneficial effect of increased oxygen supply on wound healing. Enzyme activities in the limiting step of glycolysis, citric acid cycle and pentose phosphate cycle were determined in cellulose sponge implants of rats chronically, breathing 12% O(2), air or 55% O(2.) Respiratory gas tensions and concentrations of pyruvate and lactate were measured in wound fluid aspirated from the implants.