Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 39, Issue 2 258-261, Copyright © 1975 by American Physiological Society
Altitude-induced erythrocytic 2,3-DPG and hemoglobin changes in rats of various ages
L. G. Martin, J. M. Connors, J. J. McGrath and J. Freeman
Rats of various ages (2, 12, 24, and 40 mo of age) were exposed for 4 wk to
either a simulated high altitude of 23,000 ft or to a Peoria, Ill.,
altitude of 650 ft above sea level. Hematocrit ratios, hemoglobin, and
erythrocytic 2,3-diphospho-glycerate (2,3-DPG) concentrations were
measured. Hematocrit and hemoglobin determinations revealed a decrease in
erythrocytic content with increasing age, and the augmented erythropoietic
response was seen in all age groups of animals as a result of altitude
exposure. The maximal erythrocytic content of hemoglobin in the 40-mo-old
animals was significantly lower than that of all other age groups.
Erythrocytic 2,3-DPG levels were significantly changed by aging alone. In
the 40-mo-old group there was a 35% increase over the next highest
sea-level value. However, while erythrocytic 2,3-DPG content increased
significantly in all other age groups following altitude exposure, it
decreased 46% in the 40-mo-old group.
