Blood Sugar and Hemoglobin Responses to Anoxia in Sheep and the Effect of Acclimatization

Abstract

A statistically significant elevation (10.8 mg./100 ml.) of blood sugar (6 sheep) during 15 min. at 303 mm. Hg (24,000 ft.) was found. Thirty-minute exposures at this simulated altitude or 15 min. to 254 mm. Hg(28,000 ft.) produced greater hyperglycemia (8 sheep). Of 4 sheep subjected 4 hrs. daily to 303 mm. Hg only 2 responded with the degree of acclimatization characterized by complete loss of the hyperglycemic response at these simulated altitudes. Elevations of blood hemoglobin during the acute exposures have been significant only during 15 min. at 254 mm. Hg.