THE EFFECTS OF POLYCYTHEMIA AND OF A CARROT DIET ON RESISTANCE TO ANOXIA

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Abstract
Although the increase in red count which occurs at high altitudes is generally regarded as advantageous there exists little exptl. evidence that it actually increases the resistance of the organism to anoxia. In the present study, the red count of 12 rats was increased by 24-56% by blood transfusions and their resistance to an altitude of 40,000 feet before and after transfusion compared. The test for resistance was the ability to respond to the sound of a bicycle horn by batting the ears. Resistance to anoxia, as measured by this test, was not increased. Five rats whose normal resistance time had been detd. were fed only carrots for ten days. At the end of this time their resistance was found to be slightly, but not significantly, increased.