title: Altitude training induced alterations in erythrocyte rheological properties: a controlled comparison study in rats.
abstract: Altitude training is frequently used by athletes to improve sea-level performance. However, the objective benefits of altitude training are controversial. This study aimed to investigate the possible alterations in hemorheological parameters in response to altitude training. Sprague Dawley rats, were divided into 6 groups: live low-train low (LLTL), live high-train high (LHTH), live high-train low (LHTL) and their controls live high and low (LHALC), live high (LHC), live low (LLC). LHC and LHTH groups were exposed to hypoxia (15% O2, altitudes of 3000 m), 4 weeks. LHALC and LHTL were exposed to 12 hours hypoxia/normoxia per day, 4 weeks. Hypoxia was maintained by a hypoxic tent. The training protocol corresponded to 60-70% of maximal exercise capacity. Rats of training groups ran on treadmill for 20-30 min/day, 4 days/week, 4 weeks. Erythrocyte deformability of LHC group was increased compared to LHALC and LLC. Deformability of LHTH group was higher than LHALC and LLTL groups. No statistically significant alteration in erythrocyte aggregation parameters was observed. There were no significant relationships between RBC deformability and exercise performance. The results of this study show that, living (LHC) and training at altitude (LHTH) seems more advantageous in hemorheological point of view.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Pamukkale University, Kinikli, Denizli, Turkey.
authors.forename: Melek
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bor-Kucukatay
authors.affiliation: Highshool of Physical Education and Sports, Department of Physical Education and Sports Teaching, Ardahan University, Ardahan, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ridvan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Colak
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Balikesir University, Balikesir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Gülten
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Erken
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Pamukkale University, Kinikli, Denizli, Turkey.
authors.forename: Emine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kilic-Toprak
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Pamukkale University, Kinikli, Denizli, Turkey.
authors.forename: Vural
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kucukatay
mesh_terms: D000531:Altitude; D000818:Animals; D054874:Athletic Performance; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004903:Erythrocyte Aggregation / Q000502:physiology*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012212:Rheology / Q000379:methods
keywords: Altitude training; RBC deformability; erythrocyte aggregation; exercise