GLUCOSE TOLERANCE IN DOGS EXPOSED TO ALTITUDE AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION: AMPHETAMINE

This study was initiated to determine the effect of altitude and drug administration on glucose tolerance at altitude. Dogs were exposed to a simulated altitude of 27,000 ft. and the rate of disappearance of intravenously injected glucose (0.5 gm./kg.) was compared with similar tests at ground level. All dogs were maintained on the same PO2 in the inspired air (152 mm. Hg PO2). In addition, amphetamine (1 mg./kg. I.V.) was administered to the dogs under both atmospheric conditions. A significant increase was seen in the K-value of the nondrug dogs exposed to simulated altitude (P less than .01). Also, a significant increase in the K-value was noted in the dogs treated with amphetamine at ground level as compared with ground-level controls (P less than .01). The K-value of dogs exposed to altitude and administered amphetamine was significantly raised (P less than .01) as compared with both ground-level and altitude nondrug conditions. (Author)