Abstract
Background: There is paucity information on the effect ofhypoxiagenerated by high altitude (HA) on the systemic inflammation and its forcing mechanism in native dwellers Objectives:To comparethe serum levels of themain inflammatorycytokines and mediators in HA native rats and to search for the possible underling mechanism(s).
Methods:The study was carried out between January and April 2013. Fifty male rats were bred andreared at either HA in Abha city or low altitude (LA)in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. The study was carried out in two stages. In the first stage, serum levels of Inflammatory markers, cell adhesive molecules, lipids profile,catecholamine,magnesium (Mg+2)and lipid peroxidation were analysed and compared between HA and LA native rats. In the second stages, inflammatory response and lipid peroxidation levels were analysed in HA native rats after treat them with either α (Prazocin)or β (propranolol) adrenergic blockage.
Results: Rats of HA native area showed significant increases in the levels of inflammatory cytokines,lipid profile as well as significant increase in norepinepherine and dopamine with a concomitant decrease in Mg+2 levels and increased lipid peroxidation. Blockage of the adrenergic receptors of HA native rats is either partially (propranolol)or completely (Prazosin) ameliorated the increase in inflammatory cytokine and oxidative stress.
Conclusion: our study shows that living under HA conditions results in increased systemic inflammatory reaction an effect that is mediated through sympathetic nervous system mainly viaα adrenergic receptors and could be attributed to low Mg+2 levels.