Establishment and evaluation of a swine model of diving decompression sickness / 第二军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To establish a swine model of diving decompression sickness (DCS) for applied basic research. Methods Six Bama miniature pigs underwent a simulated diving in DWC150 animal chamber with the profile of 600 kPa (30 min) exposure, followed by 600-500 kPa (1 min), 500-400 kPa (1.5 min), 400-300 kPa (2 min), 300-200 kPa (2.5 min) and 200-100 kPa (3 min) decompression. The limb motor function was detected by animal treadmill and the evoked potential of spinal cord was tested jointly to evaluate spinal cord injury of DCS. The amount of bubbles and cardio-pulmonary function were assessed by ultrasonography. The evolution of skin symptoms was observed and blood index was collected. A set of evaluating parameters were screened considering the overall behavior, histopathology, circulation and neurophysiology, bubble generation and inflammation response. Results The DCS incidence was 100% (6/6) in the present research and there was no animal death. Evoked potential and motor function underwent significant change after decompression. Cardiac ultrasonography detected substantial amount of bubbles in the venous system and the pulmonary artery index was changed. Typical skin lesions appeared. White blood cells and platelets were reduced, and the amount of D-dimer was increased. Congestion and bleeding were noticed in the lung and spinal cord. The changes of the above indicators could objectively reflect the DCS injuries, and could be used to set up an evaluation system for swine model of DCS. Conclusion Bama miniature pigs are ideal animals for DCS modelling.