Seadragon VI: a 7-day dry saturation dive at 31 ATA. VIII. Plasma enzyme profiles.

This report summarizes serum profiles of liver enzymes of divers during 2 dry saturation dives to 31 ATA. In both dives, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), and alkaline phosphatase were significantly elevated at 31 ATA when compared to predive control levels. SGPT and SGOT levels returned to control levels during the postdive period. These data provide strong evidence for compromised liver function at high pressure and are consistent with similar observations in other saturation dives. The reason for the parenchymal dysfunction at high pressure remains unknown.