Body composition of mice following exposure to 4300 and 6100 meters

Male Swiss mice were exposed for 3 and 7 d to simulated altitudes of 4300 and 6100 m. Body weight losses were enhanced at the higher elevation and after longer exposure at each elevation. Carcass analyses showed the weight losses to be attributable to decrements in body water and fat content. The water decrements were a little greater than the fat decrements after all exposure conditions. At both elevations, however, fat loss increased significantly as exposure was extended from 3 to 7 d whereas water loss remained unchanged.