Effect of translocation to 3,800 m altitude on glycolysis in mice.

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Abstract
After variable short-term effects, continuous exposure to an altitude of 3800 m for 30 days or longer resulted in a 50% increase in hematocrit values, a reduction of 50% in liver glycogen content, and a 25% reduction in blood sugar values in adult laboratory mice. A significant reduction in daytime carbon 14-labeled glucose conversion rate to 14CO2 was observed after a 30-day exposure to altitude. On the other hand, the conversion rate of labeled glycerol, pyruvate, acetate, and succinate to 14CO2 was found to be nearly identical to that at sea level. No difference was observed between sea-level and altitude mice in the glucose conversion rate at night. The total energy metabolism was found to be unchanged during the altitude exposure. The more rapid release of label from glucose-1-14C than from glucose-6-14C normally observed at sea level was not noted at altitude. The data presented in this study demonstrate a decreased rate of conversion of glucose to CO2, and the possibility of diminished hexose monophosphate shunt activity.