Reduction of the incidence of decompression sickness in rats by smooth-muscle activating factor (SMAF).

Normal rats were injected with a smooth-muscle activating factor (SMAF) to examine the dose-response relationshio of SMAF to the incidence of decompression sickness. After injections of saline or 1.0, 5.0, or 10.0 mg/kg SMAF, the animals were compressed to 6 ATA breathing air for 1 h and were then rapidly decompressed to 1 ATA. Results indicate that predive injections of SMAF or exposure to the SMAF substance protected rats against decompression sickness and that higher doses appear to offer more protection.