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Anne-Virginie Desruelle1, Pierre Louge2, Simone Richard3
1Unité Environnements Extrêmes, Département Environnement Opérationnel, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Equipe Résidante de Recherche Subaquatique Opérationnelle, Toulon, France.
Abstract:
The prevention, prognosis and resolution of decompression sickness (DCS) are not satisfactory. The etiology of DCS has highlighted thrombotic and inflammatory phenomena that could cause severe neurological disorders or even death. Given the immunomodulatory effects described for minocycline, an antibiotic in widespread use, we have decided to explore its effects in an experimental model for decompression sickness. 40 control mice (Ctrl) and 40 mice treated orally with 90 mg/kg of minocycline (MINO) were subjected to a protocol in a hyperbaric chamber, compressed with air. The purpose was to mimic a scuba dive to a depth of 90 msw and its pathogenic decompression phase. Clinical examinations and blood counts were conducted after the return to the surface. For the first time they were completed by a simple infrared (IR) imaging technique in order to assess feasibility and its clinical advantage in differentiating the sick mice (DCS) from the healthy mice (NoDCS). In this tudy, exposure to the hyperbaric protocol provoked a reduction in the number of circulating leukocytes. DCS in mice, manifesting itself by paralysis or convulsion for example, is also associated with a fall in platelets count. Cold areas ( < 25°C) were detected by IR in the hind paws and tail with significant differences (p < 0.05) between DCS and NoDCS. Severe hypothermia was also shown in the DCS mice. The ROC analysis of the thermograms has made it possible to determine that an average tail temperature below 27.5°C allows us to consider the animals to be suffering from DCS (OR = 8; AUC = 0.754, p = 0.0018). Minocycline modulates blood analysis and it seems to limit the mobilization of monocytes and granulocytes after the provocative dive. While a higher proportion of mice treated with minocycline experienced DCS symptoms, there is no significant difference. The infrared imaging has made it possible to show severe hypothermia. It suggests an modification of thermregulation in DCS animals. Surveillance by infrared camera is fast and it can aid the prognosis in the case of decompression sickness in mice.
Insights
Decompression sickness (DCS) in mice causes hypothermia and reduced platelets. Infrared imaging detected cold areas in DCS mice, aiding prognosis. Minocycline showed potential immunomodulatory effects.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Decompression sickness (DCS) presents challenges in prevention, prognosis, and resolution.
- Thrombotic and inflammatory processes are implicated in DCS etiology, potentially leading to severe outcomes.
- Minocycline, an antibiotic with known immunomodulatory effects, was investigated for its potential in managing DCS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the effects of minocycline in an experimental model of decompression sickness.
- To evaluate the feasibility and clinical advantage of infrared (IR) imaging in differentiating DCS from healthy mice.
- To assess thermoregulation changes and their correlation with DCS severity.
Main Methods:
- Forty control mice and forty mice treated with minocycline (90 mg/kg) were subjected to a simulated scuba dive protocol (90 msw).
- Clinical examinations, blood counts, and infrared imaging were performed post-decompression.
- Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine the diagnostic value of tail temperature.
Main Results:
- Hyperbaric exposure induced a decrease in circulating leukocytes and platelets in DCS mice.
- Infrared imaging revealed significant hypothermia (cold areas < 25°C) in DCS mice, particularly in paws and tail.
- An average tail temperature below 27.5°C was a reliable indicator of DCS (OR = 8; AUC = 0.754).
Conclusions:
- Infrared imaging is a rapid and effective tool for assessing hypothermia and aiding prognosis in experimental DCS.
- Minocycline modulated blood parameters, potentially limiting monocyte and granulocyte mobilization post-dive.
- DCS in mice is associated with significant thermoregulation impairment, indicated by severe hypothermia.
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