SOME EFFECTS OF LOW ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE ON RATS 1

Abstract
Diets low in K or injs. of desoxycorticosterone decreased the resistance to exposures to low atmospheric pressure in rats. Histologically the adrenals show decrease in cortical lipoid during the first two days but recover after a week of exposure. Changes in adrenal size are not demonstrable during this period. The tendency to cardiac necrosis produced by desoxycorticosterone is aggravated by low atmospheric pressure. Analysis of skeletal muscle shows that low atmospheric pressure tends to produce an accumulation of intracellular Na, the effect being exaggerated by desoxycorticosterone. Loss of muscle K is not induced by low atmospheric pressure. Except for enlargement and accumulation of glycogen, low atmospheric pressure produces no change in liver water or electrolyte.