Control of breathing in Sherpas at low and high altitude

摘要: Sherpas are well known for their physical performance at extreme altitudes, yet they reported to have blunted ventilatory responses acute hypoxia and relative hypoventilation in chronic hypoxia. To examine this paradox, we studied control comparison that Westerners both low high altitude. At altitude, 25 had higher minute ventilation, respiratory frequency, lower end-tidal carbon dioxide tension than Westerners. The hypoxic response of was found be similar Westerners, even though long altitude exposure the some Sherpas. again ventilation a tendency toward arterial oxygen saturation Oxygen administration increased further but decreased We conclude differ from other high-altitude natives; is not blunted, exhibit hyperventilation.