The effect of high altitude on the protein composition of human blood

Summary

Twelve healthy young individuals had the protein composition of their blood determined in Stalinabad (850 m) and during their sojourn in the mountain of East Pamir between the months of May and October, 1958, at the altitude of 4200 m.

During the first month of sojourn at high altitude, the total concentration of protein went up, while towards the end of the 4 month period it dropped somewhat, but still remained above the initial level. The relative and the absolute albumin content in the blood serum dropped immediately after the ascent and remained low for a month after descent from 4200 m to 850 m. The figures for α₁-, β- and γ-globulins rose immediately after ascent. During the 4 month stay at high altitude, the α₁- γ-globulins went back to normal. During the first month after descent, figures for α₁-, β- and γ-globulins were higher than the initial levels; α₂-globulin went up only after descent. Oncotic pressure of blood rose during the first month after ascent, then returned to normal at the expense of increased concentration of the globulin fraction, which compensates for the decreased albumin content in blood serum.