Respiratory adaptation in the Indian natives of the peruvian andes. Studies at high altitude

Abstract

FIVE FI(tUEE6Among the physiological adjustments to a low barometric pressure an increase in ventilation is perhaps one of the most important. In consequence we may suppose that the native of high altitude possesses a respiratory mechanism adapted for a better ventilation and for an efficient interchange of respiratory gases. But, curiously enough, this logical supposition has not been adequately investigated, and throughout the extensive literature related to high altitude it is only briefly mentioned, or considered as being of secondary importance. This is due to the erroneous idea of interpreting the changes which occur in the organism under the influence of short time exposures to a low oxygen tension as indicating adaptation. It has not been emphasized that, regardless of the time which a man from sea level spends at high altitude, he is always physically, and possibly mentally too, inferior to the native of these high places. Adaptation in its true meaning will be revealed only by studying the man who has been an inhabitant of high altitude for centuries. We have already discussed (Hurtado, '32) the blood morphology of the Indian natives of the Peruvian Andes. The present observations are related to the respiratory adaptation, from the anatomic and anthropomorphic points of view, These investigations have been partly supported by the Medical Faculty of the University of San Marcos (Lima, Peru).

Studies of Total Pulmonary Capacity and Its Sub-Divisions. Ii. Correlation With Physical and Radiological Measurements

“…Theoretically, we may conceive of cases in which, without the development of emphysema, the alveolar space is encroached upon so severely by the presence of pathological tissue or fluid that a considerable reduction in the amount of air results. One of us (4) has shown that natives at high altitudes, fully adapted to the low oxygen tension, exhibit large emphysematous chests. Although no measurements have been made, we may infer that their lungs would show large mid capac- …”

“…Deficient expansion tends to be accompanied by a higher percentage of the residual air in relation to the total capacity. 4. There is a relationship between the shape of the chest and the capacity of the lungs.…”

Native highland and lowland populations differ in .GAMMA.-globin gene promoter polymorphisms related to altered fetal hemoglobin levels and delayed fetal to adult globin switch after birth

“…The indigenous populations of the South American Andean plateau show morphological and physiological adaptations to hypoxic stress (Rupert and Hochachka, 2001;Beall, 2007a). They have a larger thorax (Hurtado, 1932), higher lung capacity (Frisancho, 1969), higher lung diffusion rate (Jones et al, 1992), and higher hemoglobin levels than lowlanders (Faura et al, 1969).…”

Skeletal remains with cultural associations from the Chicama, Moche, and Virú Valleys, Peru

“…According to the current interpretation of the average difference, a figure that approaches 2 suggests a doubtful iden- (1930) when handled in the same way yield a figure of 162.2. Also, Hooton's data on Madisonville (1920), which Neumann (1941a) Gillin, 1911;Hurtado, 1932) ; the recent Pueblos average 164 cm. (Hrdlicka, 1935 …”