Biochemical Responses to a 28-day Interval between Exposures to Air at 6.7 Ata

This study concerns an evaluation of the possible effects of repetitive divingand long-term effects of compression/decompression on distribution of, or loss of minerals, electrolytes, and protein metabolites in men subjected to standard Navy diving procedures. Urinary minerals, electrolytes, nitrogen metabolites and steroids, as well as serum minerals and electrolytes, were measured in Navy divers following short exposures to air at 6.7 ATA. A comparison was made between two similar dives performed 28 days apart. Increased fluid intake apparently prevented the reduction in urinary output, with its concomitant decreases in mineral and nitrogen metabolite excretion, that had been previously observed during the first post-dive day. Urinary ketosteroid excretion was slightly reduced after the first dive and decreased significantly for up to 10 days following the second hyperbaric exposure. This observation suggests prolonged adrenal responses to the stresses of compression/decompression. Although serum ionized and total calcium, and magnesium levels showed considerable variability in this diving protocol, no consistent pattern of intraor inter-dive variability was observed. These and other serum parameters measured indicate little or no carryover from the first to the second dive series performed 28 days later. Clip and Mail Form for Change ofAddress: To: Officer in Charge, Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory, Attn-. Code 03B Subj: Change of Address 1. I/We wish to continue to receive NavSubMedRschLab Reports, however, the following change of address should be noted: