Årsrapport 2002 för FOIs forskning inom FoT-området Vapentraumatologi

During 2002, the Weapon´s Traumatology program has consisted of the following research projects: Effects of weapon generated energy transmission to the central nervous system, Weapon effects on the cellular level, Wound ballistics and human protection, Weapon effects on humans and Biomedical effects of underwater explosions. The last project was commenced during 2002. Integration of biomedicine and technology has continued, especially within the projects Wound ballistics and human protection and Biomedical effects of underwater explosions. Two new staff members have been employed; two Ph.D. students have successfully defended their theses. A number of papers have been published in international journals. Presentations have been given at several scientific meetings, nationally and internationally. Important findings during the year are: 1/ Vascular endothelium growth factor /VEGF) and the transport molecule GLUT1 are indicators of damage to the nervous system. 2/ Similar changes in the brain´s electrical activity, recorded as electro-encephalograms (EEG), were seen in experimental animals (rat, swine) after air blast, HPM exposure and behind armour blunt trauma (BABT). 3/ Endothelium in cell cultures showed cytoskeleton changes in geometry as well as VEGF expression after HPM exposure. 4/ Anesthetized pigs, breathing spontaneously, developed apnoea (lack of breathing) up to 44 seconds after BABT, as well as damage to the lungs and the EEG changes mentioned above. 5/ The computer simulation program ComputerMan (developed with regard to shrapnel) can no be used to simulate effects of bullets.