Fibroblast response to rapid decompression and hyperbaric oxygenation

Introduction: The cellular basis for symptoms associated with rapid decompr ession and the use of hyperbaric oxygenation treatment HBO) is not establis hed. Methods: Image analysis, sulforhodamine B assay and bromodeoxyuridine (BrDU) incorporation were used to identify cellular changes associated with rapid decompression (RD) or hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO). Human fibroblast s were exposed to RD or HBO and compared with untreated cells. Immediately following treatment, the fraction of cells synthesizing DNA was measured by detection of cells incorporating the BrDU. Ar 1 d and 3 d following the tr eatments, total cell protein adherent to the bottom of wells was measured u sing a sulforhodamine B assay. Cell density was observed with light microsc opy and quantified with image analysis. Results: RD increased total protein significantly, (p ( 0.05) relative to control, while HBO had less effect. The fraction of cells synthesizing DNA was increased by HBO and reduced by RD relative to control (p < 0.05). Image analysis showed that cell density at day 1 was: control>HBO>RD; and at day 3: RD>HBO>control, indicating an i ncrease in proliferation induced by the treatments. Conclusion: This data s hows that HBO and RD increase the proliferation of fibroblasts for 24 h fol lowing treatment. HBO in creased DNA replication. While there was a decreas e in DNA replication following RD, protein synthesis was enhanced.