The effects of hypobaric hypoxia (50.6 kPa) on blood components in guinea-pigs

One hundred and five male (Hartley) guinea-pigs weighing 350-380 g and 30 splenectomized guinea-pigs were exposed to simulated hypobaric hypoxia of 50.6 kPa (equal to an altitude of 5486 m) for 14 days. The partial pressure of oxygen was set at half that at sea level. The white blood cell count increased significantly on day 3 of the simulated high altitude experiment but returned to normal on day 7, whereas the red blood cell count increased continuously. To study the effect of high altitude exposure on platelets, the platelet count in the splenectomized group was compared to that in a non-splenectomized group. Investigation of the resistance of red blood cell membranes to osmotic pressure under hypobaric conditions revealed a shift of the onset of haemolysis in the hyperosmotic direction. These findings may help to increase our understanding of the biochemical mechanisms of adaptation to hypobaric hypoxia.