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Biomedical subjects

F D Blume

Publications and source records attributed to F D Blume.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1989

Different hematologic responses to hypoxia in Sherpas and Quechua Indians.

Previous studies of the erythropoietic response to hypoxia in high-altitude natives suggest that the hematocrit and hemoglobin values in Himalayan natives (Sherpas) are lower than expected for the altitude, perhaps because of a genetic adaptation. However, differences in sampling techniques and experimental methods make comparisons difficult. Our studies were carried out to compare the erythropoietic response with the same altitude in age-matched natives of the Himalayas and Andes by the same experimental techniques. Healthy male subjects were selected in Ollagüe, Chile (n = 29, 27.3 +/- 5.9 yr) and in Khunde, Nepal (n = 30, 24.7 +/- 3.8 yr). Both of these villages are located at 3,700 m above sea level. Hematologic measurements confirmed lower hematocrit values in Nepal (48.4 +/- 4.5%) than in Chile (52.2 +/- 4.6%) (P less than 0.003). When subjects were matched for hematocrit, erythropoietin concentrations in Chile were higher than in Nepal (P less than 0.01). Detailed measurements of blood O2 affinity in Nepal showed no differences in shape or position of the O2 equilibrium curve between Sherpas and Western sojourners. Our results indicate that although Quechua Indians have higher hematocrits than Sherpas living at the same altitude, nevertheless they may be functionally anemic.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Impaired osmoregulation at high altitude. Studies on Mt Everest.

Osmoregulation was studied in 13 mountaineers who had experienced long-term exposure to high altitude on Mt Everest. Serum osmolality rose from 290 +/- 1 mOsm/kg to 295 +/- 2 mOsm/kg at 5,400 m and finally to 302 +/- 4 mOsm/kg at 6,300 m after a mean of 26.5 days above 5,400 m. Despite this degree of osmoconcentration, plasma arginine-vasopressin concentration remained unchanged: 1.1 +/-0.1 microU/mL at sea level, 0.8 +/- 0.1 microU/mL at 5,400 m, and 0.9 +/- 0.1 microU/mL at 6,300 m. Urinary vasopressin excretion was also similar at all three altitudes. We conclude that prolonged exposure to high altitude may result in persistent impairment of osmoregulation, caused in part by an inappropriate arginine-vasopressin response to hyperosmolality.

Altitude↗
PubMed1984

Weight loss and changes in body composition at high altitude.

Little is known about weight loss and changes in body composition at extreme altitude. As part of the American Medical Research Expedition to Everest in 1981 we measured body weight, body fat, limb circumferences, dietary intake, 72-h stool fats, and 5-h urine xylose excretion at various altitudes on Caucasian and Sherpa expedition members. In Caucasians, loss of body fat accounted for 70.5% of the mean 1.9-kg weight loss during the approach march at moderate altitude but for only 27.2% of the mean 4.0-kg weight loss during residence above 5,400 m. There was a significant proportionate decrease in arm and leg circumferences during residence above 5,400 m (1.5 and 2.9 cm, respectively). On the other hand, Sherpas, who arrived in Base Camp with half as much body fat as members (9.1% vs. 18.4%), maintained weight and limb circumferences during residence above 5,400 m. Fat absorption decreased 48.5% in three subjects, and xylose excretion decreased 24.3% in six of seven subjects at 6,300 m relative to sea level. It appears that muscle catabolism and malabsorption contribute significantly to weight loss at high altitude. High percent body fat does not protect against loss of muscle tissue. Sherpas do not appear susceptible to some of the changes affecting Caucasians.

Absorption↗
PubMed1983

Renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and aldosterone in humans on Mount Everest.

Plasma renin activity (PRA), serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) were measured in 15 subjects at sea level and at high altitude. Previous work has shown that on first ascent to altitude PAC and ACE are reduced, whereas PRA may be raised or reduced. After 2-4 wk at 6,300 m all hormones had returned to within +/- 10% of sea-level values. In seven subjects PRA and PAC were measured when exercise stopped. PRA and PAC were both elevated, PRA more than PAC; i.e., the PAC response to PRA was markedly blunted. Since ACE activity was normal, it is suggested that there may be down regulation, i.e., reduction in density of angiotensin II receptors on the adrenal cortex and/or induction of enzymes which degrade angiotensin II. This mechanism apparently protects the subjects from very high levels of PAC and sodium retention when hypoxia and exercise raise PRA to very high levels.

Adult↗