Studies on Acid-Base Balance Before and During Repeated Exposure to Altitude, or to Hypoxia and Hyperventilation

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Abstract
The 24-hour urines of groups of male medical students have been analyzed before and during exposure to high altitude at 18,000 ft. without O2, to hyperventilation and to high altitude at 35,000 ft. with O2. Excretion of total fixed base, after an initial decrease, increases with repeated exposure to 18,000 ft. Excretion of total fixed base increases as a result of hyperventilation. Excretion of total fixed base increases as a result of exposure to 35,000 ft. with oxygen. Excretion of acid metabolites, ammonia and phosphate parallels the excretion of total fixed base in all cases. There is no significant variation in the 24-hour urine volume. The data indicate that a rebound acidosis follows the period of acapnic alkalosis and that there is a continuous increase in the excretion of fixed base as well as in that of the acid metabolites.