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Published on: March 8, 2019
Sidenafil pre-treatment promotes decompression sickness in rats
Jean-Eric Blatteau1, Alf O Brubakk, Emmanuel Gempp
1Equipe Résidante de Recherche Subaquatique Opérationnelle, Département Environnements Opérationnels/Environnements Extrêmes, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Toulon, France. je.blatteau@infonie.fr
Sildenafil pre-treatment worsened decompression sickness (DCS) in rats, increasing neurological symptoms and reducing platelet counts. This suggests phosphodiesterase-5 blockers may not be suitable for divers and warrant medical consultation.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Marine Biology
Background:
- Decompression sickness (DCS) arises from vascular bubble formation causing endothelial injury.
- Nitric oxide (NO) aids vascular homeostasis; NO-releasing agents may mitigate DCS.
- Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, potentiates vasodilation but its role in DCS is unstudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical effects of sildenafil pre-treatment on DCS in a rat model.
Main Methods:
- 67 rats underwent simulated 90 msw dive for 45 min with staged decompression.
- Experimental group received 10 mg/kg sildenafil pre-dive; control group did not.
- Post-dive assessment included clinical evaluation, blood counts, and circulating bubble quantification.
Main Results:
- Sildenafil group showed significantly higher DCS incidence (34.3% vs. 6.25%, p=0.012).
- Platelet counts were more reduced in sildenafil-treated rats (-21.7% vs. -7%, p=0.029).
- No significant difference in bubble grades between groups.
Conclusions:
- Sildenafil pre-treatment exacerbates the onset and severity of neurological DCS in rats.
- Caution is advised regarding phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors for diving; medical consultation is recommended.
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