Effects of Altitude on Cellular Metabolism and Terminal Oxidation.
Abstract
The program was concerned with a study of the cellular metabolic effects of altitude exposure, particularly in relation to energy metabolism. The experimental conditions employed (18,000 or 25,000 feet exposure for 6-7 days) resulted in hypaphogia, weight loss, increased hematocrit, increased plasma pyruvate and plasma lactate. The hypophagic response indicated the need to include a food control group in these studies as well as a normal control. Altitude exposure did not alter cytochrome oxidase activity of kidney, liver, or heart mitochondria. Mitochondrial oxidative phophorylation was not imparied in liver or kidney mitochondria. Most significantly the respiratory capacity of kidney metochondria was markedly decreased in response to altitude exposure. Histological studies revealed pulmonary congestion, liver glycogen depletion, and increased adrenal cortical cytochrome oxidase activity occurring in altitude exposure. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0734933
Entities
People
- Armand J. Gold
- Leslie C. Costello
Organizations
- Howard University