INCREASED 2,3-DIPHOSPHOGLYCERATE DURING NORMOCAPNIC HYPOBARIC HYPOXIA

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 47  (10) , 1069-1072
Abstract
The effect of 96 h of exposure to hypobaric hypoxia with and without 3.8% CO2 supplementation was studied in 2 groups of subjects. Five subjects (CO2) were exposed to 440-465 mm Hg barometric pressure (4000-4400 m), and 4 subjects (no-CO2) were exposed to 455-492 mm Hg (3500-4100 m) in order to produce similar levels of resting end-tidal PO2 [O2 pressure]. After 24 h, 2,3-DPG [2,3-diphosphoglycerate] levels of both groups significantly increased and remained elevated. The CO2 group had higher levels than the no-CO2 group after 48 and 72 h. Concurrent measurements of P50 [O2 partial pressure required to saturate 50% of Hb] showed similar changes over the same time course. Mean corpuscular Hb concentrations remained normal for 48 h and then decreased in both groups, the CO2 group showing the larger decrease. Altitude exposure may produce an increase in 2,3-DPG without the presence of respiratory alkalosis previously thought necessary.

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