ADAPTATION OF THE ALBINO RAT TO DISCONTINUOUS CHRONIC EXPOSURE TO ALTITUDE ANOXIA

Abstract

Exposure of 51 albino rats to discontinuous anoxia by decreased barometric pressure, equivalent to 18,000 ft. for one hr./day for 9 wks., produced no obvious changes in appearance, wt. or behavior as compared with 51 carefully paired control animals. Statistical analysis of changes which developed during the exposure period showed the occurrence of beneficial adaptative changes[long dash]such as increased blood vol. and blood Hb level resulting in increased O2 capacity, together with deteriorative changes[long dash]such as increased incidence of pulmonary lesions, gastric ulcers, and aortic valvular insufficiency. The exposed animals had a decreased resistance to acute anoxia (50,000 ft. equivalent) after loss of adaptation, as compared with the controls.