Appraisal of ozone as biologically active molecule and experimental tool in biomedical sciences

Abstract

Ozone (O3) (CAS 10028-15-6) is a major air industrial pollutant and is well known for its very strong oxidative actions which affords the molecule its useful antimicrobial and deodorizing properties, but also its potential toxic effects. Knowledge of the activity and safety of ozone is important if its potential for use as a biologically active agent is to be realized, especially in view of the numerous unsubstantiated medicinal claims that are being made. To investigate ozone-induced oxidative stress as a model for investigating the neurobiology and treatment of certain central nervous system disorders, an experimental ozone inhalation model was developed to administer ozone to intact test animals following acute or chronic exposure. The model was successfully utilized to investigate the effect of dose and duration of exposure to ozone and its resultant effect on oxidative stress markers, depressive-like behaviours and response to antidepressant treatment. These studies demonstrate that the model not only is useful for studying the biological activity of ozone, but also for studying disorders of the brain associated with increased oxidative stress as well as the effects of altered redox status on drug treatment and response.