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Decompression incidence in air- and liquid-breathing hamsters
Undersea Biomedical Research
|March 1, 1983
Summary
Breathing liquid fluorocarbons during hyperbaric compression prevents decompression sickness in hamsters. This liquid breathing method avoids gas bubbles, ensuring survival after rapid decompression.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Diving Medicine
Background:
- Hyperbaric compression poses risks of decompression sickness.
- Gas bubble formation in tissues is a primary concern during rapid decompression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of hyperbaric compression and decompression on golden hamsters.
- To evaluate liquid breathing as a potential countermeasure against decompression sickness.
Main Methods:
- Four groups of anesthetized hamsters were exposed to hyperbaric conditions (7 ATA) or normobaric conditions (1 ATA).
- Breathing mediums included air, oxygenated fluorocarbon liquid open to atmosphere, and oxygenated fluorocarbon liquid in a sealed bag.
- Physiological parameters (heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate) and survival rates post-decompression were monitored.
Main Results:
- Animals breathing air (Group I) or fluorocarbon open to atmosphere (Group II) at 7 ATA experienced significant mortality and gas bubbles in the heart post-decompression.
- Animals breathing fluorocarbon in a sealed bag (Group III) and those at 1 ATA (Group IV) showed no mortality or gas bubbles.
- Liquid immersion led to decreased heart rate, rectal temperature, and respiration in Groups II, III, and IV.
Conclusions:
- Breathing liquid fluorocarbons unsaturated by inert gas prevents decompression sickness.
- Liquid breathing is a viable strategy to mitigate risks associated with rapid decompression in hyperbaric environments.
