ln an attempt to define the effects of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on the lipid peroxidation and oxygen See radical reactions in rats exposed to carbon monoxide, we studied malondialdehyde(MDA) level and activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase in the heart of the rats exposed to carbon monoxide. Male Sprague-Dawley albino rats weighing 240 to 260gm were used. Experimental groups consist of Control group (=breathing with air), HBO group(=exposed to hyperbaric oxygen(HBO, 3ATA, 100%) after air breath), CO group(=exposed to CO(3,970 ppm) after air breath), CO-Air group(=exposed to CO after air breath followed by air breath) and CO-HBO group(=exposed to CO after ai. breath followed HBO treatment). The CO group showed significantly higher MDA level, catalase activity and SOD activity as compared to that of control group. The CO-HBO group showed significantly lower MDA level as compared to that of CO group, and did not show significantly lower catalase activity and SOD activity as compared to that of CO group. These results suggest that the excessive oxygen free radicals is an important determinant in pathogenesis of Co-induced cardiotoxicity and HBO inhibits the lipid peroxidation caused by excessive oxygen free radicals in the heart of the rats exposed to carbon monoxide.