The Oncologist 2002;7:569-570 www.TheOncologist.com Our cells need a constant supply of oxygen to power their diverse molecular processes. This oxygen is delivered by the blood, so nearly all of our cells are within a tenth of a millimeter from a blood capillary. Tumor cells are no exception. If a collection of cancerous cells grows much larger than a millimeter, it will starve itself of oxygen...

A constant supply of oxygen is indispensable for cardiac viability and function. However, the role of oxygen and oxygen-associated processes in the heart is complex, and they and can be either beneficial or contribute to cardiac dysfunction and death. As oxygen is a major determinant of cardiac gene expression, and a critical participant in the formation of ROS and numerous other cellular proce...

Mitochondria are confronted with low oxygen levels in the microenvironment within tissues; yet, isolated mitochondria are routinely studied under air-saturated conditions that are effectively hyperoxic, increase oxidative stress, and may impair mitochondrial function. Under hypoxia, on the other hand, respiration and ATP supply are restricted. Under these conditions of oxygen limitation, any co...

The objective of this work was to test the hypothesis that the limitation of nitric oxide (NO) availability accentuates microvascular reactivity to oxygen. The awake hamster chamber window model was rendered hypoxic and hyperoxic by ventilation with 10 and 100% oxygen. Systemic and microvascular parameters were determined in the two conditions and compared with normoxia in a group receiving the...

.......................................................................................................................................................... iv Foreword and Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................... v PART 1: INTRODUCTION .........................................................................

The spatial distribution of oxygen and the dynamics of the oxic mlcrozone around roots of Cymodocea rotundata were studied using oxygen microelectrodes under constant light conditions and during light-dark transitions. Under daylight steady state conditions, oxygen was present at concentrations up to 75 % of air saturation at the root surface, and the oxic microzone around the roots was 80 pm t...

Mammalian life and the bioenergetic processes that maintain cellular integrity depend on a continuous supply of oxygen to sustain aerobic metabolism. Reduced oxygen delivery and failure of cellular use of oxygen occur in various circumstances and if not recognised result in organ dysfunction and death. Prevention, early identification, and correction of tissue hypoxia are essential skills. An u...