title: Adaptation of olfactory threshold at high altitude.
abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the extreme environment of high altitude hypoxia on olfactory threshold. The study was conducted before, during, and after a scientific expedition to Mera Peak (5,800 m). The n-butanol test was used for the assessment of the magnitude of the olfactory threshold. The finding was that the olfactory threshold dramatically increased at high altitude. We conclude that there is a physiological adaptation of olfaction due to altitude-hypoxia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience & Imaging, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ruffini
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Di Giulio
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Verratti
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pokorski
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fanò-Illic
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mazzatenta
mesh_terms: D020001:1-Butanol / Q000737:chemistry; D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D000531:Altitude; D000532:Altitude Sickness / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001274:Atmospheric Pressure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009812:Odorants; D000857:Olfaction Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009833:Olfactory Pathways / Q000503:physiopathology; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000502:physiology*; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology*; D013696:Temperature; D014835:Volatilization
chemical_list: D020001:1-Butanol