INITIAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE EFFECT OF HYPOBARIC AND HYPERBARIC PRESSURE ON CELL PERMEABILITY

Observations of the behavior of human red blood cells in osmotic fragility tests carried out under increased or decreased atmospheric pressures resulted in an apparent alteration in the mechanics of solvent exchange or cell permeability, or both. Comparison of the relative hemolysis of human erythrocytes in hypotonic saline at hypobaric and hyperbaric pressures showed an increase and decrease, respectively, in the extent of hemolysis when compared to ground-level controls. Observations showed that a shift of the normal range curve of osmotic fragility for individuals occurred relative to atmospheric pressure changes. Mechanisms involved in hemolytic changes due to ambient pressure changes have not been fully explored, but changes seen are coincidental with, and relative to, increased or decreased atmospheric pressure variations. It is suggested that since erythrocyte permeability has apparently been altered in vitro, similar alterations may be occurring in vivo, initiated by hydrostatic pressure variations. Problem areas for investigation prompted by these assumptions may involve changes in body fluid shifts, drug dosage and assimilation, and other physiologic and pharmacologic aspects for re-evaluation under conditions of altitude or depth. (Author)