Altitude-induced erythrocytic 2,3-DPG and hemoglobin changes in rats of various ages.
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.
D000375:Aging; D000531:Altitude; D000818:Animals; D004163:Diphosphoglyceric Acids / Q000097:blood*; D004780:Environment, Controlled; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D006400:Hematocrit; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats
D004163:Diphosphoglyceric Acids; D006454:Hemoglobins