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Serial changes in nasal potential difference and lung electrical impedance tomography at high altitude
Nicholas P Mason1, Merete Petersen, Christian Melot
1Department of Physiology, Free University of Brussels, B1070 Brussels, Belgium. nmason@ulb.ac.be
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|December 10, 2002
Summary
Altered respiratory epithelial ion transport may contribute to subclinical pulmonary edema at high altitude. Measurements showed changes in nasal potential difference and lung function during ascent.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- High-Altitude Physiology
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Inhaled beta(2)-agonists may prevent high-altitude pulmonary edema by enhancing respiratory epithelial sodium transport.
- Understanding respiratory epithelial ion transport is crucial for high-altitude acclimatization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of respiratory epithelial ion transport in subclinical pulmonary edema at high altitude.
- To measure transepithelial nasal potential difference (NPD) and lung function changes during high-altitude exposure.
Main Methods:
- Transepithelial nasal potential difference (NPD) measurements in 20 healthy males at sea level and 3,800 m.
- Assessed vital capacity (VC) and lung parenchymal electrical impedance (NCI).
- Evaluated pulmonary artery pressure using Echo-Doppler.
Main Results:
- NPD hyperpolarized upon ascent to 3,800 m (P < 0.05).
- Vital capacity (VC) and normalized lung impedance (NCI) decreased, suggesting increased extravascular lung water (P < 0.05).
- Positive correlations were found between VC and NCI, and NPD with VC and NCI.
Conclusions:
- Altered respiratory epithelial ion transport may contribute to subclinical pulmonary edema development at high altitude.
- Changes in NPD, VC, and NCI indicate physiological adjustments to high altitude.
- Further research is needed to confirm the role of ion transport in high-altitude adaptation.