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Cerebral blood flow in acute mountain sickness
J B Jensen1, A D Wright, N A Lassen
1Medical School, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Cerebral blood flow (CBF) increases with altitude but is similar in individuals with or without acute mountain sickness (AMS). Acetazolamide did not alter AMS symptoms despite increasing CBF.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Altitude Medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a common condition at high altitudes.
- Cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation is crucial for brain function under hypoxic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and the development of acute mountain sickness (AMS).
- To assess the effect of acetazolamide on CBF and AMS symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured using the radioactive xenon technique at various altitudes.
- CBF was monitored before and after therapeutic intervention (acetazolamide or placebo).
Main Results:
- CBF increased significantly with altitude, with similar increases observed in subjects with and without AMS.
- Acetazolamide administration led to a 22% increase in CBF but did not alter AMS symptoms.
- Placebo had no effect on CBF or symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Increases in CBF are not directly implicated in the pathogenesis of AMS.
- Acetazolamide-induced increases in CBF do not acutely affect AMS symptoms.