Nitric Oxide Reduces Bubble Formation in Divers

[5ata]

According to this article, nitric oxide reduces bubble formation following decompression after dives of different duration and to different depths. Although the researchers used Nitroglycerine, it is well known in the bodybuilding community that the amino acid suppliment, L-Arginine, converts as well to NO2 in the body for conversion in muscles. I myself take it as part of my daily supplimentation routine for freediving and along with Gingko Biloba, has made a marked difference in my freedive capabilities.

Any med professionals care to comment?

 

[Cacia]

very interesting! I just posted a question about L-Arginine the other day because there is buzz about Niric Oxide and the prevention of heart attacks. I did not get any replies.


there was a Nobel prize in medicine for some work with Nitric Oxide too.

 

[Saturation]

Alf Brubakk, a co-author showed the effect using a longer acting nitrate drug, Imdur, I think it was in 2005. This study affirms Brubakks results, and uses a much shorter acting version of the drug. The shorter acting version has more benefits as they both cause low blood pressure, the shorter acting version is transient, in healthy folks, it lasts for 1-2 minutes.

Good report, strong potential for use in risky dives and folks at risk.

 

[Saturation]

L-Arginine has potential in reducing injury during heart attacks, not before it. But the studies are limited and only in experimental animals. Nothing yet in humans, AFAIK.

 

[Gene_Hobbs]

Alf Brubakk

There is a name that always gets my attention. There is some really good stuff coming out of his lab. I could spend hours in PubMed with results from a search of his work.

As for NO and diving from Alf... The earliest I remember is:
NOVEL MECHANSIMS FOR REDUCED BUBBLE FORMATION IN THE RAT.
UHMS Abstract, 2002
RRR: 1109

I always liked this one as well. It makes me wonder about NO release from damage when I compare the Dunford and Vann Doppler data from week long live aboard dives.

Endothelial damage by bubbles in the pulmonary artery of the pig.
Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine, 1999
RRR: 2325, PMID: 10353178

VERY interesting work, thanks for the post!

 

[rakkis]

There is some good information in this post. The research pointed out is very interesting and hopefully prove to be useful for people with myocardial ischemia and infarcts.

Good report, strong potential for use in risky dives and folks at risk.

However, when you gotta shoot up to dive, I think we can all agree it is better to stay out of the water.