Biochemical Responses to a 28-Day Interval between Exposures to Air at 6.7 ATA

: The study concerns an evaluation of the possible effects of repetitive diving and 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.