the following factors: antagonist effect of Ginseng and Gingko mixture on oxygen-derived free
radicals and membrane lipid peroxidation and improving energy metabolism of brain cells.
225.
ROLE OF PROSTAGLANDINS, NITRIC OXIDE AND POTASSIUM CHANNEL IN THE
BLUNTING OF HYPOXIC PULMONARY VASOCONSTRICTION IN THE HIGH
ALTITUDE ADAPTIVE ANIMAL --- PIKA. Wang Tao
1
, Zhang Zhen-Xiang
1
, Liu Sheng-
Yuan
1
, Sun Bing-Yong
2
, Wang Di-Xun
1
. Pulmonary Disease Science Institute,Tongji Medical
College Huazhong University of Science and Techn
1
,
3
The Third Military Medical University
Chongqing
2
.
AIM: To investigate the possible role of prostaglandin _NO and potassium channel in the
adaptive blunting of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction(HPV) in high altitude animal
(pika).METHOD: The effect of L-NAME, indomethacin and 4-AP on the response of isolated
lung strips of pika and Wistar rats instead of pulmonary artery to acute hypoxia were studied.
RESULTS: (1)After inhibition of prostaglandins by indomethacin, the percentage increase of
hypoxic constriction in lung tissue strip of pikas was greater than that of Wistar Rats[
_64.7±50.9_% vs. _19.7±14.1_%]_P_0.05_(2) After inhibition of NO synthesis by L-
NAME, the percentage increase of hypoxic constriction in lung tissue strip of pikas was greater
than that of Wistar Rats [(102.7±61.9)% vs _60.7±30.9_%]_P_0.05_(3) After administration
of 4-AP, there was no significant difference in the percentage decrease of hypoxic constriction of
lung tissue strip between pika and Wistar rat. CONCLUSION: (1) Prostaglandins and NO might
modulate HPV in either rat or pika; the closure of Voltage-gated K+ channels might mediate
HPV in either rat or pika. (2) Prostaglandins and NO might play an important role in the blunting
of HPV in pika; Voltage-gated K+ channels may play a minor role in the blunting of hypoxic
pulmonary vasoconstriction in pika.
226.
CURATIVE EFFECT OF TIBETAN MEDICINE ON ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS . Pema
Tseten
1
, Yangtso Drolma
2
, Zong Ji
1
. Qinghai Tibetan Medicine Hospital, Xining, Qinghai, China,
P.R.China
1
, Qinghai Tibetan Medicine Hospital, Xining, Qinghai, China, P.R.China
2
.
To use Tibetan Medicine plants that grow between the altitudes of 3800 to 4000 meters are
rich in ingredients that resist the effects of hypoxia. Three kind of Tibetan medicines, Dahua
Hongjintian, 16wei dujuansan and 35wei Chenxiangwan, are taken by patients (n=200, 3900m)
with acute mountain sickness (AMS). The result showed that 135 subjects recovered after taking
the medicine (67.5%); 59 cases improved (29.5%); 6 cases showed no improvement (3%).The
total efficacy rate is 97%. Conclusion: According to Tibetan Medicine theories, hypoxia is
aroused by the imbalance of Rlung and Bad Kun. Also the imbalance of Rlung and Bad Kun are
influenced by outside factors. In order to promote adaptation to high altitude, we use these three
Tibetan medicines. After a period of treatment, we find that these three medicines have a
favorable effect in restoring the balance of Rlung, Bad Kun and makhrispa.
227.
PERFORMANCE AT ALTITUDE AND ANGIOTENSIN I-CONVERTING ENZYME
GENOTYPE. G Tsianos
1
, K Eleftheriou
2
, E Howe
2
, L Wollrich
3
, M Watt
4
, A Peacock
5
, H
Montgomery
2
, S Grant
1
. University of Glasgow
1
, University of London
2
, Glasgow Royal
Infirmary
3
, Moklands Hospital
4
, Western Infirmary Hospital
5
.
ABSTRACT The "insertion" (I) rather than "deletion" (D) variant of the human Angiotensin-
Converting Enzyme (ACE) gene is associated with lower tissue ACE activity. It is also over
represented amongst elite mountaineers, a finding which might theoretically relate to (i) a lower
incidence of acute mountain sickness (AMS) or (ii) a greater success in prospective ascents. We
studied 284 climbers (235 males, [aged 37.0±11.0 years], (86 DD, 142 ID, 56 II)) attempting to
climb Mt. Blanc (4807m) via the same route. AMS status was assessed using the Lake Louise
scoring system upon arrival at 3807m on Day 1, and again on Day 2 after an attempted ascent of
Mt Blanc (4807m). Success in reaching the summit (summit information on 215 subjects) was
