Changes in Brain Glycogen Concentration in Rats During High Altitude (12,470 ft) Exposure

Abstract

Summary Glycogen concentrations were significantly reduced in the forebrain, brain stem and cerebellum of rats exposed for 3, 8 and 30 days to 12,500 ft altitude, as compared with control values. After 60 days at altitude, brain stem and cerebellum glycogen concentrations returned to normal, but forebrain glycogen was still significantly decreased. The changes in brain glycogen were not accompanied by changes in plasma glucose. Hematocrit values were already significantly increased after 3 days, and increased further after 8, 30 and 60 days of altitude exposure.