Human muscle structure after exposure to extreme altitude.
Muscle structural changes during typical mountaineering expeditions to the Himalayas were assessed on muscle biopsies. A significant reduction in muscle fiber size (-20%) and a loss of muscle oxidative capacity (-25%) were observed. The capillary network was not affected by catabolism. It is concluded that the oxygen supply to muscle mitochondria after high altitude exposure is thus improved.
Hoppeler
H
H
Department of Anatomy, University of Bern, Switzerland.
Howald
H
H
Cerretelli
P
P
D000531:Altitude; D001706:Biopsy; D001823:Body Composition; D006801:Humans; D009132:Muscles / Q000098:blood supply / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D013997:Time Factors