Protective action of propionyl-L-carnitine on toxicity induced by hyperbaric oxygen.

The protective effect of propionyl-L-carnitine against hyperbaric oxygen toxicity was studied by in vivo experiments on mice. The treatment reduced both the percentage of animals with convulsions and the death rate. Tissue signs of toxicity and pulmonary weight increase were less marked in treated animals than in controls. Results may indicate that propionyl-L-carnitine needs to build up to critical levels in cells and mitochondria before its metabolic effects can be fully felt.