Impeded eruption rate of the rat maxillary incisor during exposure to different simulated altitudes

Female rats weighing about 200 g each were separated into normoxic and hypoxic groups. The former were maintained at sea-level conditions. The hypoxic groups were placed in an altitude chamber and maintained at the equivalent of 1850 m, 4100 m, or 7100 m over a period of two weeks. Hematocrit, body weight, body length, and impeded eruption rate were recorded once a week. Food intake was recorded every day. Exposure to 1850 m did not significantly alter hematocrit, body weight and body length gains, food intake, and impeded eruption rate. Nevertheless, exposure to 4100 m and 7100 m decreased body weight and body length gains, food intake, and impeded eruption rate, and increased hematocrit value. These parameters varied as a function of altitude. In spite of the lack of conclusive evidence, this work affords further insight into the particular significance of polycythemia on the eruption rate.