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Threshold altitude for bubble decay and stabilization in rat adipose tissue at hypobaric exposures
Thomas Randsoe1, Ole Hyldegaard
1Laboratory of Hyperbaric Medicine, Department of Anaesthesia, Centre of Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. thomasrandsoe@hotmail.com
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|July 17, 2013
Summary
This study found that extravascular bubbles stabilize between 47 and 36 kPa, indicating a threshold for altitude decompression sickness (aDCS). This finding aligns with increased VGE and aDCS symptoms at higher altitudes.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Baromedical Research
Background:
- Altitude decompression sickness (aDCS) is linked to venous gas embolisms (VGE).
- VGE and aDCS incidence increase above 40-44 kPa.
- Extravascular bubbles behave differently at varying pressures during oxygen breathing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the ambient pressure threshold for extravascular bubble stabilization or disappearance.
- To investigate bubble dynamics in adipose tissue at different decompression levels.
Main Methods:
- Micro air bubbles were injected into rat adipose tissue.
- Rats were decompressed to 60, 47, or 36 kPa and observed during oxygen breathing.
Main Results:
- More bubbles disappeared at 60 kPa (14/17) and 47 kPa (14/15) compared to 36 kPa (3/15).
- A significant difference in bubble decay was observed between 47 kPa and 36 kPa.
Conclusions:
- The threshold for extravascular bubble stabilization or decay is between 47 and 36 kPa.
- This threshold correlates with increased VGE and aDCS symptoms reported at higher altitudes.
