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Splenic contraction is enhanced by exercise at simulated high altitude
Angelica Lodin-Sundström1,2, Pontus Holmström3, Marcus Ekstam3
1Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden. Angelica.Lodin-Sundstrom@miun.se.
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|March 8, 2021
Summary
Exercise enhances the spleen's response to high altitude (HA) hypoxia, increasing hemoglobin (Hb) levels. This graded response aids acclimatization by boosting oxygen capacity during exercise and rest.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Altitude Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- The spleen contracts during hypoxia, releasing hemoglobin (Hb) to enhance oxygen transport.
- Both hypoxia and exercise independently trigger splenic contraction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if exercise potentiates the spleen's response to simulated high altitude (HA) hypoxia.
- To determine the effect of superimposed exercise on splenic contraction and Hb release during HA exposure.
Main Methods:
- Fourteen healthy volunteers underwent a protocol involving rest and exercise in normoxia and simulated HA (3500m).
- Spleen volume was measured using ultrasonic imaging.
- Venous Hb levels were measured at each stage of the protocol.
Main Results:
- Hypoxia induced a 22% reduction in spleen volume and no significant change in Hb.
- Exercise during hypoxia further reduced spleen volume by 33% and increased Hb by 5.3%.
- Spleen volume and Hb returned to baseline levels upon cessation of exercise and return to normoxia.
Conclusions:
- Splenic contraction is enhanced by exercise during hypoxia, demonstrating a graded response.
- This exercise-induced enhancement of splenic contraction and Hb release may aid short-term acclimatization to HA.
- The findings suggest a mechanism for coping with both chronic resting hypoxia and acute exercise-induced hypoxia at altitude.
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