Investigation of some hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in rats exposed to acute altitude variation

In this study, it has been aimed to research some hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters of the rats which have been exposed to acute altitude changes. In this study, 24 Winstar Albino male rats which were born at 1000 m altitude, 3 months old on the average, at 260-310 grams weight have been used. The rats were fed with standard feed and water was given to be released. Rats; Control Group (K) (n=12) and High Altitude Group (YI) (n=12) were divided into two groups. Control Group (K): healty 12 subjects at 1000 m altitude were fed with standard rat feed for 15 days. High Altitude Group (YI): Healty 12 subjects at 1000 m altitude were fed by standard rat feed for 15 days. Afterwards High Altitude Group (YI) rats have put in CAT 12 Normobaric High Altitude Simulator (Colorado Altitude Training, USA). In this simulator, rats were exposed to 5000 meters for 12 hours. Erythrocyte, leukocyte, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MDA, GSH, NOx, glucose and cortisol levels were checked in blood samples obtained after 12 hours. Test subjects being exposed to acute altitude for 12 hours cause insignificant changes in the numbers of leukocyte, erythrocyte and hemoglobin levels. However hematocrit level has increased significantly compared to control group. The cortisol level of high Altitude group has increased but statistically not increased significantly compared to control group. On the other hand, the level of glucose in High Altitude group has significantly increased. One of the lipid peroksidation indicators, MDA level has significantly increased in High Altitude Group. TOS levels have also increased significantly paralled to MDA level. Subjects being exposed again to acute altitude for 12 hours cause decreases in GSH ve TAS levels but the decreases were not statistically significant. In this study, NOx level of the high altitude group has increased compared to control group but not statistically significant. To conclude in this study, it was observed that on one hand animal comfort has affected negatively, caused stress and on the other hand intensive oxidative stress occurred on the test subjects exposed to acute altitude change for 12 hours in an environment where 5000 m altitude was simulated by using normobaric high altitude simulator. Key Words: High Altitude, High Altitude Simulator, Oxidative Stress, Cortisol, MDA.