Effect of Intermittent Hypoxia on the Reproduction of Rats Exposed to High Altitude in the Chilean Altiplano

Abstract

Environmental parameters such as the large day-night temperature differences, high light radiation, and low humidity may have a synergistic effect with low oxygen pressure. To evaluate the effects of the exposure to intermittent chronic hypobaric hypoxia (ICHH) in nature on rat reproduction, a group of rats was alternately moved to a location at 3400 meters over sea level (moml) for 7 days and returned the subsequent week to sea level; this procedure was repeated six times. Hematological and reproductive parameters were measured and analyzed. At the end of the experimental protocol, hematocrit and hemoglobin concentrations were significantly greater in the ICHH group compared to the control group (Nx) (p < 0.05). The diameter of the seminiferous tubule and the height of the spermatogenic epithelium in ICHH rats presented a significant decrease in relation to Nx rats (p < 0.05). Consequently, the number of epididymal spermatozoa in the experimental animals decreased compared to normal rats, with no evidence of recovery after 84 days. The offspring of the different matings between normal and hypoxic animals decreased proportionally to hypoxia exposure. The low oxygen and the changes in testicular temperature homeostasis would provide a novel local mechanism to explain the decrease in sperm cell production and the reduced number of puppies born. The alterations of the reproductive parameters of the hypoxic female, plus testicular injuries and diminished sperm in males, result in a significant decrease in the reproductive activity of the animals.