Methaemoglobin and erythrocyte reducing systems in high-altitude natives

Summary. The stress of chronic hypobaric hipoxia present at high altitudes induces a series of adaptive changes in the intermediate metabolism in erythrocytes of high-altitude natives. Aymaras of the high Andean Plateau are shown to have within erythrocytes: (a) increased activity of NADH₂ (GAPDH) generating stages, (b) decreased activity of NADH₂ (LDH) consuming steps, (c) significantly increased methaemoglobin content, and (d) a large increase in the level of reduced glutathione. These alterations occur also in persons of the same ethnic group residing at low altitude. There is, however, only a moderate elevation of classic haematological parameters (erythrocyte count, haemoglobin and haematocrit) in highland natives. The functional implications of these metabolic changes are discussed with respect to regulation of erythrocyte metabolism.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Arnaud, J, Quilici, JC, Gutiérrez, N, Beard, J
Format: Article biblioteca
Language:English
Published: Annals of Human Biology 1979
Subjects:METAHEMOGLOBINA, ALTURA, NATIVOS DE GRAN ALTURA,
Online Access:http://repositorio.umsa.bo/xmlui/handle/123456789/20504
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