Bubble-induced platelet aggregation in a rat model of decompression sickness

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Marine Biology

Background:

• Bubble-induced platelet aggregation predicts decompression sickness (DCS) severity in animal models.
• Bubble formation is observed after human air dives.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate plasmatic indexes of coagulation and platelet activation in a rat model of DCS.
• Determine the correlation between platelet count fall and DCS severity.
• Assess the role of thrombin generation and platelet activation in bubble-induced aggregation.

Main Methods:

• Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent hyperbaric exposure (1,000 kPa for 45 min) or served as controls.
• Recorded DCS symptoms and onset of death time post-exposure.
• Measured plasma levels of platelet factor 4 (PF4), soluble glycoprotein V (sGPV), and thrombin-antithrombin complexes.
• Assessed platelet count before and after exposure.

Main Results:

• A correlation was confirmed between the percent fall in platelet count and DCS severity.
• Plasmatic levels of sGPV and PF4 significantly increased post-hyperbaric exposure compared to controls.
• No significant changes were observed in the control group for these markers.

Conclusions:

• Platelet consumption serves as a potential index for evaluating decompression stress and DCS severity.
• Thrombin generation and platelet activation are implicated in bubble-induced platelet aggregation.
• The study highlights platelet activation markers for DCS assessment in animal models.