[Dynamics of parameters of energy metabolism at adaptation to diving in human]

Studies of the diving reaction in the comparative-evolutionary aspect have shown that a complex of reactions providing the oxygen-saving effect during diving is inherent in human like in the secondary-aquatic mammals. This is confirmed by results of study of peculiarities of energy metabolism during imitation of diving (hold-up of respiration with immersion of face into the cold water--the cold-hypoxic-hypercapnic action) (CHHA). Data of gas analysis have shown that during the diving imitation the oxygen consumption rate is statistically significantly lower than during the usual hold-up of respiration (Genche's test). As shown by the study, this is due to the greater degree to vasoconstriction of peripheral vessels and selective redistribution of blood flow than to slowing down of the blood flow caused by reflex bradycardia during diving. It has been revealed that under effect of adaptation to CHHA, on the background of a decrease of the total energy consumption by the organism there occurs some increase of contribution of aerobic processes to its energy provision. Adaptation to CHHA has been shown to be accompanied by a decrease of reactivity of the parasympathetic chain of regulation of the heart chronotropic function and by an increase of duration of apnea. The duration of apnea is directly correlated with level of insulin--the hormone stimulating the anaerobic pathway of energy provision. Under effect of adaptation to CHHA there has been established an increase of the organism resistance to stress actions, which is confirmed by the lower levels of cortisol and thyroid hormones in representatives of the experimental group as compared with the control one.