[Complex biomedical studies of the body under conditions of extreme marine factors].

Abstract

The results of experiments with 50 volunteers are presented, exposed to conditions, similar to those of ship-wreck-on rafts and boats anchored in the sea and with restricted taking of food and water. Complex medical studies have been accomplished. The state of the cardio-vascular, nerve, respiratory and sensor systems and the metabolism of certain substances are followed up. The electrophysiological studies include: EKG, EEG, ENG, SPO, ZPO, SSEP, craniocorpography, computer analysis of the cardiac variability. A part of these have been monitored during the whole experiment using Holter records or by cable and telemetric way in special laboratories on the beach. The biochemical studies include indicators characterizing the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, mineral-electrolytes and biogenic amines. Some individual features in the course of sea-sickness are described according to the phenotype and the genotype characteristics of the adaptation processes. Special attention is paid to vestibular-vegetative, neurologic and psychic changes as well as on the manifestations of orthostatic collapse, sometimes ending by loss of consciousness or epi-fainting. It is considered that the orthostatic collapse is due to the combined influence of prolonged vestibular overstrain, hypokinesia, starvation, thirst and psycho-emotional stress. This is the possible main cause for the death of some saved ship-wreckers. An actualization of the instruction for saving of ship-wreckers is recommended with including of a special movement regime in the saving devices. Sibellium (flunarizin) is offered as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent against sea-sickness.