Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Mammalian species that live and thrive at high altitudes (i.. yaks, vicunas, llamas and guinea pig) where O2 availability is reduced (hypoxia) developed some of the most striking manifestations of adaptation in animal physiology. The reduced partial pressure of O2 sets substantial demands (and selective pressure) on all tissues and systems, in this context comparative physiologists have revealed several strategies used by "specialists" to live and perform under hypoxic conditions. Concerning rodents, remarkable is the fact that while rats are not found under natural conditions above 2500 meters of altitude, mice are widespread. Investigation performed in our lab showed that in hypoxic conditions, compared to mice, rats breathe less strongly but in compensation show prevailing modifications in blood parameters; two features associated with intolerance to high altitude hypoxia. Keeping in mind that the response to hypoxia is directly linked with the effectiveness of mitochondria to use oxygen for energy production, here we aim to identify and compare the strategies used by rats and mice to cope with short- and long-term exposure to hypoxia. Our results provide key data on the unexplored physiological role of mitochondria and the complex associated molecular mechanisms in the process of acclimatization and adaptation to high altitude-related oxygen deprivation. Given that hypoxia is a condition that directly or indirectly accompanies several human diseases, our results will help health researchers to better understand the effects of hypoxia in conditions as heart attack, stroke and breathing disorders.