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Catecholamines, hypoxia and high altitude

M Rostrup1

  • 1Research Forum, Ullevål Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway.

Acta Physiologica Scandinavica
|May 13, 1998
PubMed
Summary
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Hypoxia does not consistently increase catecholamines; studies show mixed results, with some suggesting reduced levels and clearance during short-term high altitude exposure, unlike prolonged exposure. Sympathetic nerve activity may increase, but plasma catecholamine levels do not always reflect this change.

Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Altitude Medicine
  • Neuroendocrinology

Background:

  • Hypoxia activates the sympathetic nervous system via arterial chemoreceptors, but its effect on catecholamines is debated.
  • Previous studies show inconsistent changes in plasma/urinary noradrenaline and adrenaline levels during acute and prolonged hypoxia.
  • Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) often increases with hypoxia, suggesting sympathetic activation despite stable catecholamine levels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of short-term high altitude exposure on plasma catecholamine levels in unacclimatized individuals.
  • To explore potential mechanisms, including altered clearance and synthesis, influencing catecholamine responses to hypoxia.
  • To correlate catecholamine levels with oxygen saturation and plasma vasopressin (AVP) during acclimatization.

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Main Methods:

  • Review of 15 laboratory studies on acute/prolonged hypoxia and catecholamines, and 8 studies on MSNA.
  • Analysis of 14 field studies on prolonged high altitude exposure (>1 week) and 7 studies on short-term exposure (4h-3 days).
  • A new study involving 12 climbers at 4200m, measuring plasma catecholamines (noradrenaline, adrenaline), AVP, and oxygen saturation over time.

Main Results:

  • Most laboratory studies found no significant changes in noradrenaline, with only some showing increased adrenaline.
  • Field studies (>1 week) generally reported increased noradrenaline, while short-term (<3 days) studies showed inconsistent results.
  • The new study observed a temporary decrease in plasma catecholamines upon arrival at high altitude, with levels normalizing after 1 week; AVP increased, and catecholamines correlated positively with oxygen saturation.

Conclusions:

  • Short-term hypoxia in unacclimatized individuals does not increase plasma catecholamines; levels may decrease due to increased clearance or reduced synthesis (e.g., via oxygen-sensitive tyrosine hydroxylase).
  • Prolonged exposure (>1 week) is associated with increased noradrenaline, suggesting acclimatization involves sustained sympathetic adjustments.
  • The inconsistent catecholamine response to hypoxia highlights the complexity of sympathetic nervous system regulation and acclimatization processes.