Effect of N2-He-O2 on Decompression Outcome in Rats After Variable Time-At-Depth Dives
Abstract
This investigation examined the effect of N(2)-He-O(2) on decompression outcome in rats after variable time-at-depth dives. Unanesthetized male albino rats were subjected to one of two series of simulated dives. Time at depth ranged from 10 to 120 min; rats were then decompressed within 10 s to surface pressure. The probability of decompression sickness (severe bends symptoms or death) was analyzed with a Hill equation model, with parameters for gas potency and equilibrium time for the three gases and weight of the animal. Relative potencies for the three gases were of similar magnitude for bends and statistically different for death in ascending order: O2<He<N2. Estimated gas uptake rates were different. N2 took three to four times as long as a He to reach full effect; the rate of O2 appeared to be considerably shorter than that of N2 or He. The large influence of O2 on decompression outcome questions the simplistic view that O2 cannot contribute to the decompression requirement. Keywords: Decompression sickness, Gas bubbles, Hyperbaric conditions; Reprints.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA202209
Entities
People
- R. S. Lillo
Organizations
- Naval Medical Research Center