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Complement activation during saturation diving
D M Stevens1, S L Gartner, R R Pearson
1Naval Medical Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20889-5607.
Summary
Complement fragments C3a and C5a increased during saturation dives, correlating with decompression stress and Type I DCS. No link was found between these fragments and high-pressure nervous syndrome (HPNS).
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Marine Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Saturation diving involves prolonged exposure to extreme pressures.
- High-pressure nervous syndrome (HPNS) and Decompression Sickness (DCS) are risks for divers.
- The role of the complement system in diving-related pathologies is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between complement activation fragments (C3a, C5a) and HPNS during saturation diving.
- To determine if elevated C3a and C5a levels indicate decompression stress in Type I DCS.
Main Methods:
- Measured C3a and C5a levels in 11 U.S. Navy divers during a 28-day saturation dive to 1,000 fsw.
- Monitored for symptoms of HPNS and Type I DCS.
- Analyzed correlations between complement fragment levels, compression, and decompression events.
Main Results:
- No correlation was observed between C3a/C5a levels during compression and HPNS occurrence.
- Increased C3a and C5a levels during saturation diving correlated with decompression stress.
- Elevated complement fragments were associated with the clinical diagnosis of Type I DCS.
Conclusions:
- Complement activation, indicated by C3a and C5a, is linked to decompression stress in divers.
- Complement fragment levels may serve as biomarkers for Type I DCS.
- The study did not find a link between complement activation and HPNS in this diving cohort.