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Abstract

The effect of rapid hypobaric transition (1 hr.) upon water consumption, food consumption, body weight, feeding activity and spontaneous activity of albino rats was studied using a within-subject design. Transition from 635 ± 5 mm. Hg. (5,000 ft.) to 455 ± 5 mm. Hg. (14,000 ft.) induced temporary hypophagia, hypodipsia and concomitant weight loss; gradual recovery occurred during the exposure period; return to 635 ± 5 mm. Hg. after 7 days abruptly (≤ 24 hr.) alleviated these effects. Alterations in feeding activity (time-in-foodwell) during the off portions of the light cycle paralleled food intake changes. No reliable changes in spontaneous activity as a function of hypobaric transition were noted. Results were interpreted as suggestive of hypothalamic and frontal cortex involvement in hypoxia-induced behavioral shifts.

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Hypobaric Hypoxia: Within-Subject Transition Effects in Albino Rats

Abstract

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