Authors: Arieli, Ran; Vitenstein, Alon; Peled, Eyal

Source: Military Medicine, Volume 173, Number 1, January 2008 , pp. 107-111(5)

Publisher: AMSUS - Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Abstract:

Introduction: Humans may be accidentally trapped in a confined atmosphere in which oxygen availability is limited. If acclimation would extend survival, hypoxic acclimation in confined spaces would be recommended. Methods: After hypoxic acclimation, an immature pig was transferred into an experimental sealed chamber. The O₂, CO₂, chamber temperature, and pressure changes due to the animal's breathing were recorded. Six days acclimation (n = 3) and 3 weeks of acclimation (n = 3) were compared to control pigs (n = 3). Results: No signs of acute mountain sickness were noted in the pigs acclimated for 6 days, but some acute symptoms (which were resolved on the following day) were observed during the 3-week acclimation. The terminal partial pressure of inspired oxygen (PIO₂; 3.5-3.6 kPa) was not affected by hypoxic acclimation. Oxygen consumption and CO₂ production were similar in the three experimental groups. Conclusions: Our hypothesis that hypoxia acclimation would produce improved survival in a confined space was not supported by the results. It is possible that at very low inspired oxygen of 3.6 kPa, the oxygen consumption of critical life-supporting tissue reached the limit of viable cells in mammals. If this is right, no further improvement could be expected after hypoxic acclimation.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2008-01-01

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• Military Medicine is the Association's official monthly journal. The objective of the Journal is to promote awareness of Federal medicine by providing a forum for responsible discussion of common ideas and problems relevant to Federal healthcare. Its mission is: To increase healthcare education by providing scientific and other information to its readers; to facilitate communication; and to offer a prestige publication for members' writings.
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