[The effect of intermittent normobaric hypoxia on oxygen metabolism in hypertonic pilots]

Oxygen tissue metabolism was evaluated in hypertonic pilots in order to draw up an optimal treatment plan. Oxygen metabolism kinetics was determined with the help of transcutaneous polarography and the local ischemic extremity test was applied to measure the O2 utilization efficiency. Breathing mixture of 90% nitrogen and 10% oxygen (GGS-10) was used in therapeutic sessions of intermittent normobaric hypoxia. Results point to the reduced tissue breathing intensity and cell functional energy reserve in hypertonic patients. However, O2 metabolism is much closer to normal in pilots as compared with non-flyers. In pilots, O2 utilization is more intensive, energy supply of cells is higher, O2 transport and utilization are well-balanced, and tissue breathing is less reactive to the hypoxic factor. Dynamic kinetics of O2 metabolism tested post treatment suggested activation of O2 tissue metabolism in the hypertonic pilots rather than O2 transport which was stimulated in non-flyers. In addition, by the end of treatment the pilots were advised to extend the period of breathing GGS-10 leaving the period of air breathing unchanged. Consequently, the pilots were more adaptable to hypoxia than the non-flyers and, therefore, improved O2 tissue metabolism more rapidly.