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Complement activation in divers after repeated air/heliox dives and its possible relevance to DCS
A Hjelde1, K Bergh, A O Brubakk
1Section for Extreme Work Environments, Sintef Unimed, University Medical Centre, Trondheim, Norway.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Plasma levels of complement factor C5a do not predict decompression sickness (DCS) in divers. Measurements of C5a, a key anaphylatoxin, before and after air dives showed no correlation with DCS symptoms or bubble formation.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Immunology
- Diving Medicine
Background:
- The complement system, particularly anaphylatoxin C5a, plays a role in inflammatory responses.
- Decompression sickness (DCS) is a risk associated with diving, involving bubble formation in tissues and blood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether plasma levels of C5a or in vitro C5a generation can predict the occurrence of DCS in divers.
- To assess the impact of repeated air dives on C5a levels and complement activation.
Main Methods:
- Nineteen divers underwent repeated air dives, with blood samples collected pre-dive and post-dive.
- Plasma C5a levels were measured, and serum was used to assess complement activation in vitro by air bubbles.
- Divers were monitored for symptoms of DCS and intravascular bubble presence.
Main Results:
- No significant increase in post-dive plasma C5a levels compared to pre-dive levels was observed.
- Plasma C5a levels and in vitro C5a generation did not differ between divers with and without DCS symptoms.
- Divers with the lowest plasma C5a levels tended to have more intravascular bubbles.
Conclusions:
- Plasma C5a levels and in vitro C5a generation are not reliable predictors of DCS in divers.
- The role of C5a in the pathogenesis of DCS requires further investigation.