Effects of oxygen on rabbits during exposure to high altitude / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe physiological and ultrastructure changes in rabbits breathing various contents of oxygen during exposure to high altitude. Methods Twenty healthy rabbits were randomly divided into air-breathing group, 63% oxygenbreathing group, 83% oxygenbreathing group and pure oxygen breathing group. All rabbits were exposed to an atmosphere corresponding to an altitude of 11 000m in hypobaric chamber for 30min. The amount of air bubble in the heart and ECG of rabbits were recorded, the ultrastructural changes in the heart and brain were examined, and the expression of kidney erythopoietin (EPO) was also observed. Results The amount of air bubbles in the air breathing group was increased remarkably, and most of the rabbits developed arrhythmia. With the increase of oxygen concentration, the changes in ultrastructure were alleviated and the expression of kidney EPO decreased. Conclusion Oxygenconcentration above 80% could provide obvious protection for rabbits during their exposure to high altitude.