Structural and Functional Interdependences of Biological Organisms in Extreme Conditions

Abstract

Investigations of the adaptation of living organisms/human body to various extreme factors are extremely important. Aim. To characterize and analyze the results of research of structural and functional interdependencies of organisms in extreme conditions. Methods. Comparative analysis of the registered biochemical, physiological characteristics of the body, mathematical modelling of underlying mechanisms on their basis, information and computer technologies. Results. Deviations of organisms’ functions during adaptation processes caused changes in some structures of organism. Significant role of quantitative and qualitative changes of the erythrocyte formation system in the reliability of organisms functioning in extreme conditions in highlands was confirmed. The changes in red and white blood cells reflected largely the relationships between the organisms’ reactivity and resistance. The dependences on degree of rarefaction of the air, mode of climbing, effects of athlete’s training, etc. were revealed. Adaptive hemolysis of erythrocytes, when the biologically active substances were released from blood cells and acted as messengers, were shown to be the triggers capable to change cell metabolism; they played significant roles in reliability of organisms functioning. The set of program models was developed. Results were applied successfully for training of athletes for high-altitude climbing. Conclusions. Results of the studies on the structural and functional interdependencies of organisms in extreme conditions were reviewed and analyzed. Results of mathematical modeling coincided with the results obtained in experiments and observations. In the process of adaptation to hypoxia human organism behaved likes an ultrastable system. Obtained results can be applied in practice.