Apnea Media Base

Related Articles

Spleen contraction during 20 min normobaric hypoxia and 2 min apnea in humans.
Aviat Space Environ Med. 2010 Jun;81(6):545-9
Authors: Lodin-Sundström A, Schagatay E
INTRODUCTION: Spleen contraction occurs in humans during exercise, apnea, and simulated altitude, resulting in ejection of stored red blood cells into circulation. The mechanisms responsible for initiating the contraction are not fully known: hypoxia is likely involved, but other, unknown factors may also contribute. To reveal the initiating factors, we studied its occurrence in two different situations involving similar reductions in arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2). We hypothesized that similar spleen responses would result if the level of hypoxia is the main factor involved. METHODS: Five female and four male healthy volunteers performed two different trials on separate days: (1) 20 min of normobaric hypoxic breathing (14.2% oxygen); and II) 2 min of apnea after a deep inspiration of air. Both trials started and en…