Analysis of Moderate Altitude Induced Changes on the Synthesis of Erythropoietin

M Elamaran

doi:10.26524/1348

Abstract

The present investigation is proposed to elucidate the changes on erythropoietin levels induced by the exposure to Ootacamund. For this purpose, fifteen male handball players in the age group of 20 to 25 years were selected as subjects from Annamalai University, during their competitive season. The erythropoietin was selected as dependent variable and it was appraised using procedures and instruments of scientific standards at Chidamabaram (sea level) and during the sixth hour of acute exposure to Ootacamund (moderate altitude). To compare the changes on erythropoietin at moderate altitude with that of the sea level, „t? test was used. The analysis of data revealed that there is a significant amplification on erythropoietin in response to moderate altitude exposure, since the obtained „t? ratio for 14 degrees of freedom is 11.233 (p < 0.05. Exposure to Ootacamund had an affirmative impact on erythropoietin. This result suggests that exposure to Ootacamund is capable of inducing significant changes on erythropoietin and thereby enhanced aerobic endurance performance of sportsperson.

Highlights

Exposure to high altitude causes the body to acclimatise to the lower level of oxygen available in the atmosphere.Acclimatization to high altitude includes a number of physiological and hematologic adaptations that theoretically should improve O2 transport to skeletal muscles during exercise [1].Reduced arterial PO2 at altitude stimulates an increase in the total number of red blood cells, a condition termed polycythemia
The independent variables considered in this study were (i) Sea Level (Chidambaram), 5.75 metres above mean sea level and (ii) Moderate Altitude (Ootacamund), 2,200 metres above mean sea level
The erythropoietin was the only dependent variable selected for this paper was assessed using standard procedures at sea level and during the sixth hour of acute exposure to moderate altitude

Summary

Introduction

Exposure to high altitude causes the body to acclimatise to the lower level of oxygen available in the atmosphere.Acclimatization to high altitude includes a number of physiological and hematologic adaptations that theoretically should improve O2 transport to skeletal muscles during exercise [1].Reduced arterial PO2 at altitude stimulates an increase in the total number of red blood cells, a condition termed polycythemia. Exposure to high altitude causes the body to acclimatise to the lower level of oxygen available in the atmosphere. Acclimatization to high altitude includes a number of physiological and hematologic adaptations that theoretically should improve O2 transport to skeletal muscles during exercise [1]. Reduced arterial PO2 at altitude stimulates an increase in the total number of red blood cells, a condition termed polycythemia. The erythrocyte-stimulating hormone erythropoietin (EPO), synthesized and released primarily from the kidneys in response to localized arterial hypoxia, initiates red blood cell formation within 15 hours after altitude ascent. In the weeks that follow, erythrocyte production in the marrow of the long bones increases considerably and remains elevated throughout the altitude stay [2]. The increased red blood cells, resulting in higher hemoglobin values, ensure better working capacity. The exact magnitude of the barometric pressure reduction in any geographical location depends on the combination of elevation, latitude, season and weather

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion