Effects of a Taser: Conducted Energy Weapon on the Circulating Red-Blood-Cell Population and Other Factors in Sus scrofa

Abstract

In previous studies hematocrit has been consistently increased in an anesthetized animal model after exposures to TASER conducted energy weapons (CEWs). In the present study we analyzed changes in blood cell counts and red blood cell membrane proteins following two 30-s applications of a TASER C2 device (which is designed for civilian use). Hematocrit increased significantly from 33.2 2.4 (mean SD) to 42.8 4.6 % immediately after CEW exposure of eleven pigs (Sus scrofa). Red blood cell count increased significantly from 6.10 0.55 9 10(expn 12)/L to 7.45 0.94 x 10(expn 12)/L, and mean corpuscular volume increased significantly from 54.5 2.4 fl to 57.8 2.6 fl. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration decreased significantly from 20.5 0.7 to 18.5 0.6 mM. Thirty protein spots (from two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, selected for detailed comparison) exhibited greater densities 30-min post-exposure compared with pre-exposure values. A greater number of echinocytes were observed following CEW exposure. On the basis of these results it appears that, during the strong muscle contractions produced by TASER CEWs, a specific population of red blood cells (RBCs) may be released from the spleen or other reservoirs within the body. The total time of CEW exposure in the present study was relatively long compared with exposures in common law-enforcement scenarios. Despite statistically significant changes in red blood cell counts (and other measures directly related to RBCs), the alterations were short-lived. The transient nature of the changes would be likely to counteract any potentially detrimental effects.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 30, 2013
Accession Number
ADA591634

Entities

People

  • Cesario Z. Cerna
  • James R. Jauchem
  • Joshua A. Bernhard
  • Melissa Tarango
  • Ronald L. Seaman
  • Tiffany Y. Lim

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Blood
  • Blood Cells
  • Blood Proteins
  • Cells
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Gel Electrophoresis
  • Heart Rate
  • Hemoglobin
  • Immunoproteins
  • Law Enforcement
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Oxygenation
  • Proteins
  • Tissues
  • Two Dimensional

Readers

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Marine Propulsion Engineering and Naval Architecture
  • Nuclear and Radiation Engineering.