HASTENING RESPIRATORY ACCLIMATIZATION TO ALTITUDE WITH BENZOLAMIDE
Abstract
A 'double-blind' study involving 72 hours' exposure to a pressure altitude of 14,000 feet (447 torr) was carried out on 23 subjects to ascertain whether benzolamide (CL 11,366) hastened respiratory acclimatization to altitude better than did acetazolamide, another carbonic anhydrase inhibitor previously investigated. Samples of arterial blood, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were taken at 24 and 72 hours at altitude and analyzed for pH, PCO2, PO2, CO2 content, HCO3-, standard HCO3-, lactate, Na(+), K(+), and Cl(-). End-tidal PCO2, was measured frequently during waking hours, and CO2 response curves were measured daily. Three 24-hour urine collections were analyzed for Na(+), K(-), Cl(-), and 17-hydorxy-corticosteroids. Subjects filled out questionnaires to evaluate their subjective responses to altitude and were ranked by an observer according to their apparent state of well-being. Changes in physiologic variables were consistent with more rapid respiratory acclimatization, and the subjective data indicated that the drug was helpful in ameliorating acute altitude sickness. Benzolamide was not clearly better in either respect than acetazolamide.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0665839
Entities
People
- Richard S. Kronenberg
- Stephen M Cain
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine