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Hyperbaric stress during saturation diving induces lymphocyte subset changes and heat shock protein expression
H Matsuo1, N Shinomiya, S Suzuki
1Department of Microbiology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan.
Summary
Saturation diving induces changes in human lymphocyte subsets and heat shock protein (hsp) expression. These cellular responses, including altered T cell and NK cell counts and hsp 27 levels, may serve as useful markers for hyperbaric stress and diver barotolerance.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Saturation diving poses unique physiological challenges.
- Understanding cellular stress responses is crucial for diver safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify cellular and biochemical markers of hyperbaric stress during saturation diving.
- To investigate heat shock protein (hsp) expression and lymphocyte subset changes.
Main Methods:
- Five male subjects underwent a 39-day saturation dive to 400 msw.
- Lymphocyte subsets were analyzed using flow cytometry.
- hsp expression (hsp 72/73, hsp 27) was assessed via Western blot analysis.
Main Results:
- Lymphocyte subset alterations included decreased CD4:CD8 ratio, reduced CD4+ T cells, and increased NK cells, particularly at 400 msw.
- Increased expression of hsp 27 relative to hsp 72/73 was observed, especially at 100 msw.
Conclusions:
- Lymphocyte subset shifts and hsp expression patterns are indicative of stress responses during saturation diving.
- These markers could potentially be used to evaluate diver barotolerance for saturation diving environments.