[Effect of adaptation to high altitude hypoxia on fixation of temporary connections]

Parameters of preservation of conditioned defensive reflexes elaborated in one combination and of reflexes elaborated in many combinations in a T-maze varied as a function of time in animals preliminarily adapted to hypoxia and in control ones. Adaptation to altitude hypoxia raised the degree and duration of preservation of temporary connections and did not influence the course of conditioning. The degree of preservation in animals adapted to hypoxia was enhanced both during continued adaptation and in ten to twenty days after its cessation. It is probable that adaptation considerably intensifies the process of fixation of temporary connections. It is suggested that the effect results from activation of the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins in the brain, due to adaptation to altitude hypoxia.