Effects of 2200-m hypoxia on glucidic metabolism

Rats exposed for different intervals (1, 3 and 6 hours, the first day, and then 6 hours a day for 9 days) to a 2200-m hypoxia presented metabolic changes demonstrating an anaerobic glucose utilization. Thus, in accordance with other authors, at different depressurization values the liver homogenate had increased lactate and pyruvate concentrations, decreased NAD and NADH2 concentrations and a decreased ATP formation, demonstrating the inefficient glucide metabolization. These modifications were evident in the first hours of depressurization, but did not occur under acclimatization during the 9 days of exposure. The LDH concentration remained practically unchanged, which might be explained by its explained by its excessive presence in relation to the normal exercise solicitation. A urinary hypercompensatory alkalinization was also recorded.