Research Function
1984Davis Hyperbaric Laboratory designated Lead Agent for DoD Hyperbaric Medicine Program
1992USAF establishes Scientific Advisory Board to review Hyperbaric Medicines DoD mission
1995Davis Hyperbaric Laboratory initiates Research Branch
1996Establish Research Mission, Vision and Objectives
At normal atmospheric pressure, oxygen is predominantly transported by hemoglobin at near-saturation capacity. At increased atmospheric pressure, a substantial quantity of oxygen is dissolved in blood plasma, thus increasing circulating oxygen capacity. The result is greater penetration of oxygen into tissues surrounding patent capillaries producing a larger tissue-oxygen gradient. This gradient is an integral part of the chemokinetics of tissue repair. The objective of our research is to increase the understanding regarding the interaction between elevated oxygen concentrations and increased ambient pressure (hyperbaric). We hypothesize that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) will preserve the combatant's optimal mission capability by promoting improved recovery from pathology, such as those encountered from directed energy, crush, burn, penetrating trauma, allergic and xenobiotic reactions, decompression responses, etc. Understanding oxygen pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, when administered under increased ambient pressure, will enhance our ability to optimize dose response, reducing the magnitude of injury, and shortening the duration of recovery. Techniques employed in our basic research laboratory include cell/tissue culture, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, polymerase chain reaction, histopathology and chromatographic and electrophoretic separation techniques.
Our unique research role is to advance the wartime readiness mission through addressing the Joint Health Service Support Plan: Vision 2010. We have established a World-Class Research Center with intra- and inter-government collaborative efforts, and have an executable investigation plan to explore military combat research needs. Furthermore, our research mission includes exploring new and promising technologies that lead to enhancing the administration, deployability and operation of HBO. Also, our research function is charged with coordinating and managing the global DoD hyperbaric research program.
Basic
Model for Tissue Repair
Mono-cultures
Co-cultures
2D and 3D culture dynamicsInfectious Disease Processes
Immune Modulation
Non-Specific Cell Responses
Applied
Researchchamber loan program, collaborative agreements
Technology Developmentportable chamber technologies; delivery enhancements
Recent Clinical Research Investigations
TITLE |
Principal Investigator |
Status |
Skin grafts healing |
James K. Wright, MD, FACS |
Completed |
Skin graft tensile strength and open wound healing |
James K. Wright, MD, FACS |
In Progress |
Fracture tensile strength |
James K. Wright, MD, FACS |
In Progress |
Acute blood loss |
James K. Wright, MD, FACS |
Approved, need $$ |
Compartment syndrome |
James K. Wright, MD, FACS |
Approved, need $$ |
Missile wounds |
James K. Wright, MD, FACS |
Pending Approval |
Laser retinal injury |
John E. Kalns, PhD |
In Progress |
Long bone fractures |
James K. Wright, MD, FACS |
In Progress |
Chronic wounds |
James K. Wright, MD, FACS |
Pending Approval |
Nerve laceration |
|
Pending PI |
Carpal tunnel syndrome |
|
Pending PI |
Laser facial burns |
|
Being Written |
Retinal laser treatment |
|
Being Written |
Radiation enteritis |
|
Pending PI |
Anthrax Infection | John E. Kalns, PhD | Approved, need $$ |
Diabetic Wound Healing | John E. Kalns, PhD | Approved, need $$ |
Alternate chamber materials
Oxygen delivery systems