Cerebral blood flow in Andean children and adolescents living above 5,000 m

• DOI: 10.1152/jn.00513.2024
• Publication Date: 2025-03-07T01:47:46Z
• Authors: Connor A. Howe; Samuel Verges; Daniela Nowak-Flück; Jack S. Talbot; Benoit Champigneulle; Emeric Stauffer; Julien V. Brugniaux; Stéphane Doutreleau; Ivan Hancco; Shailesh Niroula; Aurélien Pichon; Ali M. McManus; Michael Stembridge; Philip N. Ainslie
• Keywords: Hypoxia

A number of indigenous populations have resided at high-altitude for generations, resulting in various phenotypical adaptations promoting successful adaptation. While many these been investigated adults, little is known regarding how children residing high-altitudes adapt, particularly with regards to the cerebrovasculature. Under hypoxic environments, compensatory changes cerebral blood flow (CBF) are necessary couple oxygen delivery metabolic demand face reduced availability. In this study, we aimed evaluate regional and global Andean adolescents living highest city world 5100m. Eighteen Andeans (ages 6-17years) La Rinconada, Peru (5100m) were compared sex, age, size, maturity matched Sherpa (3800m) Khumbu valley Nepal (n=18) lowlanders (44m) sea-level Cardiff, Wales (n=18). Volumetric measurements CBF assessed using duplex ultrasound internal carotid, vertebral arteries assess CBF. End-tidal gases saturation measured all groups while hemoglobin concentration was Andeans. Despite under a more severe environment, similar between (687.01±138.49ml/min), (711.27±110.27ml/min) (704.88±59.23ml/min). contrast, artery 24% lower (72.93±31.60ml/min) (96.09±19.23ml/min). The might be achieved through elevated concentration. However, posterior perfusion requires further investigation determine whether it represents an adaptive or maladaptive response.