We have investigated the effects of quasi-total-body exposure of healthy volunteers to either an
oxygen-
ozone mixture (O(2)-O(3)) or to
oxygen (O(2)) alone during a short period in a
sauna cabin. The subjects underwent both an experimental and a control examination, separated by a 3.5-month interval. Body mass, blood pressure,
body temperature changes, electrocardiograms, venous blood gas and haemocytometric analyses, total
antioxidant status and plasma levels of
protein thiol groups,
thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (
TBARS), plasma
cytokine, hepatic
enzymes and
creatine were determined before, immediately after the 20-min period in the cabin and then 0.5, 1.0 and 24 h afterwards. We observed statistically significant variations of body temperature, venous partial pressure of O(2) values,
TBARS and plasma levels of
interleukin 8, particularly after O(2)-O(3) exposure. The increase in
TBARS plasma levels concomitant with
protein oxidation has been tentatively interpreted as being attributable to the transcutaneous passage of some reactive 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 adverse effects were noted after one session.