Heights and haematology: the story of haemoglobin at altitude.
In order to compensate for the low partial pressure of oxygen at altitude, the human body undergoes a number of physiological changes. A vital component in this process is the increase in the concentration of circulating haemoglobin. The role of HIF-1alpha, erythropoietin and red blood cells in this acclimatisation process is described, together with the fall in plasma volume that increases the concentration of haemoglobin in the early stages of hypoxic exposure.
Windsor
Jeremy S
JS
Centre for Aviation, Space and Extreme Environment Medicine (CASE), University College London, Archway Campus, Whittington Hospital, Archway, London N19 5NF, UK. jswindsor@doctors.org.uk
Rodway
George W
GW
D000064:Acclimatization / Q000502:physiology*; D000532:Altitude Sickness / Q000097:blood* / Q000266:history; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000502:physiology; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology*; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D051795:Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit / Q000502:physiology; D010953:Plasma Volume / Q000502:physiology; D011086:Polycythemia / Q000097:blood / Q000266:history
D006454:Hemoglobins; D051795:Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; D004921:Erythropoietin