Diffusivity of oxygen in aqueous solutions has been increased by the introduction of a water soluble carotenoid into the solutions. Carotenoids have been found to be useful for increasing the diffusivity of oxygen in the blood, and hence are useful for the reduction of local hypoxia, which is believed to be one of the factors in development of atherosclerosis. The administration of these materials has resulted in reducing the incidence of atherosclerosis in mammals.
A method for the treatment of spinal cord injuries in a mammal which comprises administering to said stricken mammal an effective dose of a water soluble carotenoid, or prophylactically treating a mammal which is expected to undergo spinal cord injury, such as prior to surgical procedures in the vicinity or on the spinal cord, which comprises administering to said mammal an effective dose of a water soluble carotenoid.
A method for the treatment of cerebral edema in mammals which comprises administering to said affected mammal an effective dose of a water soluble carotenoid.
A method for increasing the partial pressure of O.sub.2 in blood in a mammal, which comprises administering to said mammal an effective dose of a water soluble carotenoid, whereby the O.sub.2 partial pressure in the bloodstream of said mammal is increased.
A method for alleviating ischemic-reperfusion injury in a mammal which has suffered from a disease condition resulting from a deprivation of oxygen comprising the step of administering to the mammal alone, or in combination, an effective amount of an aliphatic alcohol having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, a phenylalcohol having from 7 to 12 carbon atoms wherein the alcohol portion of the phenylalcohol has 1 or 2 carbon atoms, sorbitol and/or a polyol phosphate having from 3 to 9 carbon atoms or a salt thereof prior to or during the restoration of oxygen to alleviate ischemic-reperfusion injury.
