Effects of High Altitude and Hypophagia on Mineral Metabolism of Rats

Abstract

Electrolyte excretion and balance were compared in meal-eating, adlibitum-fed rats maintained in Denver (1,600 m) and on Pikes Peak (4,300 m) and in meal-eating rats maintained in Denver but pair-fed to the Pikes Peak animals. Most of the changes in excretion and balance at Pikes Peak were attributable to hypophagia. At both elevations, equivalent decrements in mineral intake led to nearly equivalent decrements in mineral excretion. Comparisons of the Pikes Peak and Denver pair-fed animals, however, revealed certain changes that were unique to high altitude. These included a marked and sustained reduction in ammonia excretion over the 13-day period of exposure. The higher elevation also produced an enhanced sodium excretion on day 1 of exposure and a reduced sodium balance over the first 6 days. Potassium balance showed no changes unique to high altitude during the first 6 days on Pikes Peak but was significantly reduced during week 2 of exposure. The urinary sodium:potassium ratio was elevated during the first 4 days at 4,300 m, but this effect was attributable to altitude on day 1 only. Enhanced calcium and magnesium excretions, relative to those observed in the pair-fed rats, were observed over the middle and latter portions of the exposure period. The balance of these two minerals showed no altitude-dependent effects. Chloride and phosphate excretions showed an altitude-dependent reduction during day 1 and week 1 of exposure, respectively. These changes were associated with more positive balances. It is concluded that the altitude-dependent effects on mineral metabolism are largely, if not entirely, attributable to hypocapnia and associated alkalosis.