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Systemic enhancement of blood flow as a potential therapeutic strategy to counteract high altitude related health problems
Author(s) -
Radiloff Daniel R.,
Zhao Yulin,
Shan Siqing,
Irwin David,
Hamilton Karyn,
Schroeder Thies
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.lb581
Subject(s) - hypoxia (environmental) , hypoxemia , medicine , vasodilation , vascular resistance , effects of high altitude on humans , hemodynamics , cardiac output , oxygenation , pulse oximetry , anesthesia , blood flow , pharmacology , cardiology , oxygen , chemistry , organic chemistry , anatomy
Acute high altitude exposure leads to hypoxemia resulting in decreased exercise capacity. We hypothesize a pharmaceutical strategy to counteract tissue hypoxia by increasing cardiac output, and decreasing pulmonary vascular resistance resulting in increased oxygen transport to tissue. Methods Rats were habituated on motorized running wheels. Time to exhaust in a wheel was tested after i.p. injection of cardiotonic drug/vasodilator under hypobaric hypoxia using the Duke institutional hyperbaric facility. Exhaust was determined by behavioral endpoints. Data was analyzed using log rank test. Hemodynamic experiments were done on anesthetized animals under inspired hypoxia. Cardiovascular parameters were measured using pulse oximetry, fluid‐filled catheters, and oxygen needle probes. Results Combinational treatment with a cardiac stimulant and a vasodilator showed significant enhancement of exercise capacity under hypobaric hypoxia, but single compounds alone did not. Hemodynamic experiments confirmed enhanced cardiac activity after drug injection without increase of blood oxygenation levels. When given together, the drug combination appears to increase tissue oxygenation under hypoxia. Conclusions Modulation of cardiac activity and pulmonary vascular resistance appears a viable option to facilitate rapid acclimation to high altitude.