LACTIC ACID IN REST AND WORK AT HIGH ALTITUDE

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Abstract
Resting lactic acid values detd. on blood drawn in the morning before rising show an initial slight rise over sea-level values on going to high altitudes. Sea-level values are found after acclimatization even at 6.14 km., where arterial saturations range between 55 and 70%. Standard work performances, on first going to high altitudes, produce greater rises in blood lactic acid than at sea level. After acclimatization lactic acid values similar to those at sea level are found for a given performance. The ability to perform work is lessened progressively with increase in altitude, hence also the ability to accumulate lactic acid. Only slight increases over rest values of lactic acid are found during work at 6.14 km. The inability to accumulate large amts. of lactic acid at high altitudes suggests a protective mechanism preventing an already low arterial saturation from becoming markedly lower by shift of the O2 dissociation curve through acid effect. It may be that the protective mechanism lies in an adequate oxygen supply to essential muscles, e.g., the diaphragm or the heart.

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