Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
04:20
Integration of Brain Tissue Saturation Monitoring in Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Patients with Heart Failure
Published on: October 1, 2019
Catecholamine levels in hypoxia-lnduced acute mountain sickness
Gary H Kamimori1, Edward J Ryan, Ronald Otterstetter
1Department of Behavioral Biology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA. gary.kamimori@us.army.mil
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|April 22, 2009
Summary
Individuals who develop acute mountain sickness (AMS) exhibit elevated arterial epinephrine levels during hypoxia. Norepinephrine levels are also higher at baseline and early in hypoxic exposure, suggesting a link between sympathoadrenal activity and AMS susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Altitude Medicine
- Neuroendocrinology
Background:
- Sympathoadrenal activity is linked to acute mountain sickness (AMS) pathogenesis.
- Understanding catecholamine responses to hypoxia is crucial for AMS research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal changes in circulating catecholamines in individuals experiencing acute mountain sickness (AMS).
- To identify potential physiological markers for AMS susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- Low-altitude residents were exposed to 12% oxygen for 8 hours.
- Acute mountain sickness (AMS) was assessed using Lake Louise scores.
- Arterial and venous blood samples were analyzed for epinephrine and norepinephrine levels.
Main Results:
- 44% of subjects developed AMS.
- Subjects with AMS showed significantly higher arterial epinephrine concentrations throughout the exposure.
- Elevated baseline and early arterial norepinephrine levels were observed in subjects who developed AMS.
Conclusions:
- Increased arterial epinephrine may serve as a physiological marker for AMS susceptibility.
- These findings enhance understanding of the sympathoadrenal response to acute hypoxia.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation
Hyperventilation refers to a higher-than-normal rate and depth of breathing, often associated with anxiety attacks. This excessive breathing surpasses the body's need to expel CO2, leading to a condition known as hypocapnia - an unusually low level of carbon dioxide in the blood. Hypocapnia can constrict cerebral blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the brain, which may result in dizziness or fainting. Early signs include tingling and muscle spasms in the hands and face, caused by falling...
01:21Acute Respiratory Failure-II
Type I Respiratory Failure, or hypoxemic respiratory failure, occurs when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in arterial blood falls below 60 mmHg while breathing room air without a corresponding increase in arterial carbon dioxide levels (PaCO2). This condition highlights a significant impairment in the lungs' capacity to oxygenate the blood.
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
01:31Chemical Factors Affecting Respiration Centers
Chemical factors such as changing CO2, O2, and H+ levels in arterial blood play a critical role in influencing respiration depth and rates. These variations are detected by chemoreceptors—specialized sensors located in two primary body areas. Central chemoreceptors are found throughout the brain stem, including the ventrolateral medulla, while peripheral chemoreceptors are located in the aortic arch and carotid arteries.
CO2 has a potent influence on respiration and is strictly regulated. Under...
CO2 has a potent influence on respiration and is strictly regulated. Under...
01:23Hypoxia
Hypoxia is a medical condition characterized by an inadequate oxygen supply to body tissues. It typically manifests as a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucosae, especially in fair-skinned individuals, when hemoglobin (Hb) saturation drops below 75%.
Types of Hypoxia
There are four primary types of hypoxia, each resulting from a different cause:
1. Anemic hypoxia: This type occurs due to insufficient oxygen delivery caused by a lack of red blood cells (RBCs) or RBCs with abnormal or...
Types of Hypoxia
There are four primary types of hypoxia, each resulting from a different cause:
1. Anemic hypoxia: This type occurs due to insufficient oxygen delivery caused by a lack of red blood cells (RBCs) or RBCs with abnormal or...
01:24Factors Affecting Respiration
Respiration is a crucial physiological function involving exchanging oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) between an organism and its environment. Various factors can impact this essential process:
01:23Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
Respiratory failure can manifest suddenly or gradually, characterized by a rapid decline in PaO2 and a rapid rise in PaCO2. This situation indicates a severe respiratory problem that may quickly become a life-threatening emergency. One of the early signs of hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) is a change in mental status due to the brain's sensitivity to oxygen levels and changes in acid-base balance. Symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and agitation suggest inadequate oxygen...