Question

How does taking in too much oxygen impact the human body and what homeostatic systems does your body have to correct an excess amount of oxygen?

Answer 1

Extended exposure to high partial pressures of oxygen or shorter duration exposure to very high partial pressures, can cause oxidative damage to the cell membrane leading to collapse of alveoli in the lungs. Oxygen derived free radicals are responsible for the damage. Free radicals are generated due to the mitochondrial oxidoreductive processes and also induced by function of some enzymes. These free radicals generate lipid perforations in the cell membrane . It may inactivate the pulmonary surfactant and damage the pulmonary epithelium. It forms intra alveolar edema and fibrosis ultimately leading to pulmonary atelectasis.

On the other hand large amounts of oxygen also depresses the central nervous system. It causes seizures, unconsciousness. Sometimes it may lead to convulsions and also death.

To correct the excess amount of oxygen the rate of respiration is decreased and the intensity of respiration is also decreased.