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Updated: May 21, 2026
Training Rats to Voluntarily Dive Underwater: Investigations of the Mammalian Diving Response
Published on: November 12, 2014
The effect of two consecutive dives on bubble formation and endothelial function in rats
Marianne B Havnes1, Andreas Møllerløkken, Alf O Brubakk
1Research student, Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Olav Kyrres gt. 3, N-7489 Trondheim, Norway, Phone: +47-(0)91-513615, Fax: +47-(0)73-597940,
Repeated dives did not alter bubble formation or endothelial function in rats. This study found no evidence of adaptation or protective effects from consecutive dives in this animal model for decompression sickness.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Marine Biology
- Diving Medicine
Background:
- Decompression sickness (DCS) is initiated by gas bubble formation during decompression.
- Compressed-air workers may adapt to reduce DCS risk, but adaptation mechanisms are unknown.
- This study investigates adaptation to repeated dives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of two consecutive dives on bubble formation.
- To assess the impact of repeated dives on endothelial damage.
- To determine if repeated dives induce an adaptive response in rats.
Main Methods:
- 30 rats were divided into control and dive groups with varying dive profiles.
- Two dive groups experienced two dives separated by a 24-hour surface interval.
- Bubble formation was assessed via ultrasound; endothelial function was measured via aortic tension tests.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in bubble grade or endothelial function were observed between groups.
- Animals that died post-dive showed reduced acetylcholine-induced dilation compared to survivors.
- Repeated dives did not demonstrate a significant effect on bubble formation or endothelial function.
Conclusions:
- Consecutive dives 24 hours apart did not significantly affect bubble formation or endothelial function in rats.
- No adaptive or protective effect of repeated dives was observed in this animal model.
- Further research is needed to understand adaptation to repeated decompression exposures.
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