  |
Publication AbstractsEffect of acute exposure to hypoxia on electrolytes and water metabolism regulatory hormones.De Angelis C, Ferri C, Urbani L, Farrace S.Aviat Space Environ Med 1996; 67:746-50 AbstractBackground: Many studies suggest the hypothesis that the pathology of high altitude could be due to an early alteration of the hormones that regulate sodium homeostasis. Hypothesis: The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior of these hormones during an acute exposure to hypobaric hypoxia. Methods: We studies 26 young healthy pilot students (23.1 +- 2.9 yrs) in hypobaric chamber, for 3 h (samples collected at time 0, 120 and 180 min), at 5000 m ASL. Results: The results show an early increase of plasma renin activity (PRA) paradoxically associated with a decrease of aldosterone plasma levels. This later returned to the baseline values at 180 min, whereas PRA remained increased throughout the exposure. Both arginine-vasopressin (ADH) and the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) significantly increased, while a new putative hormone, the so-called digoxin-like substance (DLS) did not show significant changes. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate a specific sensitivity of the hormonal systems to hypoxia, which may be influenced by the time of the exposure. The relationship with results previously reported is also addressed.
Information on subscribing, and on obtaining copies of an article or of an entire issue. Table of Contents for Volume 67, Number 8 of the ASEM journal.
|
 |
 |