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Bill,
Excellent post! Couple questions:
> Since the capillary micro-circulation plays an essential role in gas
> transfer during compression and decompression one might be further
> concerned as to the effects of red blood cell rigidity associated with
> hyperbaric exposures to air.
Wouldn't you think the biochemical consequences of the complement system
response would likely have a more direct impact on manifestation of DCI
(or other "flulike") symptoms, than simple reduced perfusion leading to
impaired gas transport at the critical tissue sites?
Also, do you have any idea where I might find the primary literature
concerning this whole notion of RBC rigidity in response to high PN2?
I've been trying to get the answer from George ever since he started
talking about it, but the best I can get out of him is some cryptic
reference to "Chinese researchers". I don't doubt the effect - I just
would like to find where and how it was elucidated.
> There was some speculation recently in the DAN journal
> regarding "Divers Disease", a flulike illness which sometimes
> accompanies hypberbaric exposures. I wouldnt be at all surprised if the
> cause of this problem turns out to be the aftereffects of red blood
> cell rigidity and the consequent build up of haemolized cells in the
> spleen and lymph nodes.
I have experienced these sorts of symptoms following deep air dives many,
many times in the past (along with excessive fatigue). However, they
disappeared entirely when I began doing slower deep ascents (including
those from "deep" air dives). It seems to me that this phenomenon might
be more a function of bubble growth and consequent compelment effects,
rather than a result of haemolysis due to RBC rgidity during the high-PN2
portion of the dives.
> For the mean time I think its a safe bet to avoid deep air at all costs.
I wholeheartedly agree, but more because of the real cause of diving
accidents (pilot error, perhaps exacerbated by narcosis), than the
potential consequences of RBC rigidity, if it exists.
Aloha,
Rich
P.S. I want to emphasize that I don't necessarily doubt the RBC rigidity
thing due to elevated PN2; I just want to find the source before I jump
on the bandwagon.
Richard Pyle
Ichthyology, Bishop Museum deepreef@bi*.bi*.ha*.or*
1525 Bernice St. PH: (808) 848-4115
Honolulu, HI 96817-0916 FAX: (808) 841-8968
"The views are those of the sender and not of Bishop Museum"
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