Effects of simulated altitude (normobaric hypoxia) on cardiorespiratory parameters and circulating endothelial precursors in healthy subjects

doi:10.1186/1465-9921-8-58

Respiratory Research

Volume 8

Viewing options:

Abstract
Full text
PDF (875KB)

Associated material:

Related literature:

Articles citing this article
on Google Scholar
on ISI Web of Science
on PubMed Central
Other articles by authors
on Google Scholar

Ciulla MM
Cortiana M
Silvestris I
Matteucci E
Ridolfi E
Giofrè F
Zanardelli M
Paliotti R
Cortelezzi A
Pierini A
Magrini F
Desiderio MA

on PubMed

Ciulla MM
Cortiana M
Silvestris I
Matteucci E
Ridolfi E
Giofrè F
Zanardelli M
Paliotti R
Cortelezzi A
Pierini A
Magrini F
Desiderio MA
Related articles/pages
on Google

on Google Scholar

on PubMed

Tools:

Post to:

Research

Effects of simulated altitude (normobaric hypoxia) on cardiorespiratory parameters and circulating endothelial precursors in healthy subjects

Michele M Ciulla¹ , Michela Cortiana² , Ilaria Silvestris² , Emanuela Matteucci³ , Elisa Ridolfi³ , Fabrizio Giofrè¹ , Maddalena Zanardelli⁴ , Roberta Paliotti¹ , Agostino Cortelezzi² , Alberto Pierini¹ , Fabio Magrini¹ and Maria Alfonsina Desiderio³

¹Istituto di Medicina Cardiovascolare, Centro Interuniversitario di Fisiologia Clinica e Ipertensione, University of Milan, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, Fondazione IRCCS, Via F. Sforza 35 – 20122 Milano, Italy

²Dipartimento di Ematologia, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, Fondazione IRCCS, Via F. Sforza 35 – 20122 Milano, Italy

³Istituto di Patologia Generale, University of Milan, Via L. Mangiagalli, 31 – 20133 Milano, Italy

⁴Istituto di Malattie Respiratorie, University of Milan, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, Fondazione IRCCS, Via F. Sforza 35 – 20122 Milano, Italy

author email corresponding author email

Respiratory Research 2007, 8:58doi:10.1186/1465-9921-8-58


Published:	8 August 2007

Abstract

Background

Circulating Endothelial Precursors (PB-EPCs) are involved in the maintenance of the endothelial compartment being promptly mobilized after injuries of the vascular endothelium, but the effects of a brief normobaric hypoxia on PB-EPCs in healthy subjects are scarcely studied.

Methods

Clinical and molecular parameters were investigated in healthy subjects (n = 8) in basal conditions (T0) and after 1 h of normobaric hypoxia (T1), with Inspiratory Fraction of Oxygen set at 11.2% simulating 4850 mt of altitude. Blood samples were obtained at T0 and T1, as well as 7 days after hypoxia (T2).

Results

In all studied subjects we observed a prompt and significant increase in PB-EPCs, with a return to basal value at T2. The induction of hypoxia was confirmed by Alveolar Oxygen Partial Pressure (PAO₂) and Spot Oxygen Saturation decreases. Heart rate increased, but arterial pressure and respiratory response were unaffected. The change in PB-EPCs percent from T0 to T1 was inversely related to PAO₂at T1. Rapid (T1) increases in serum levels of hepatocyte growth factor and erythropoietin, as well as in cellular PB-EPCs-expression of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α were observed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the endothelial compartment seems quite responsive to standardized brief hypoxia, possibly important for PB-EPCs activation and recruitment.