Medical Hydrology and Balneology: Environmental Aspects

Medical Hydrology and Balneology: Environmental Aspects
The pH of the perfusate collected through a fine microdialysis probe laying between
skin and muscle was decreased by about 0.2 during CO2-water immersion.
The skin of immersed part was removed immediately after the 30-min immersion
in CO2-water and the tap-water, and was frozen in liquid nitrogen immediately
after the sampling, and was stored at -80 ºC until analysis. Skin was homogenized
in ethanol containing prostaglandin-biosynthesis inhibitor (indomethacin) and
centrifuged. Supernatant was collected and analyzed by using ELISA-kits for the
vasodilatory prostaglandin(PG)E1, PGE2, and PGI2. Among 3 PGs analyzed, PGE2
levels were significantly increased by about 40% after CO2-water immersion, and
the level during immersion was significantly larger than tap-water immersion
control animals.
Conclusions
Results clearly indicated that arachidonate metabolites, probably PGE2, mediated
skin vasodilation during CO2-water bath. PGE2 may be released in the skin in
response to the lowered pH during CO2-water bath, and may dilate the vasculature.
Because skin reddening is observed within several minutes of CO2-water bath in
human, according to this context, PGE must be produced within several minutes.
Whether or not PGE2 is sole mediator of this vasodilation is still controversial, but
at least, this vascular effect of CO2-water may not be expected in the patient to
whom non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug is administered.
Keywords: CO2-Rich Water, Skin Vasodilation, Prostaglandin
312
Balnea
2012, núm. 6, 311-312