Opposite effects on antioxidant enzymes of adaptation to continuous and intermittent hypoxia]

Adaptation to continuous hypoxia under mid-mountain conditions (altitude 2100 m) decreases the content of lipid peroxidation products and the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in rat heart, liver, and brain, with a concomitant decline in the resistance to reperfusion arrhythmias. On the contrary, adaptation to intermittent hypoxia in the altitude chamber increases the activity of the antioxidant enzymes in the same organs, while the content of peroxidation products remains normal; at the same time, the heart becomes more resistant to reperfusion arrhythmias. The mechanism is discussed that ensures enhanced antioxidant protection in adaptation to intermittent hypoxia.