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Human muscle structure after exposure to extreme altitude

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Summary

Muscle structural changes during typical mountaineering expeditions to the Himalayas were assessed on muscle biopsies. A significant reduction in muscle fiber size (−20%) and a loss of muscle oxidative capacity (−25%) were observed. The capillary network was not affected by catabolism. It is concluded that the oxygen supply to muscle mitochondria after high altitude exposure is thus improved.

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Hoppeler, H., Howald, H. & Cerretelli, P. Human muscle structure after exposure to extreme altitude. Experientia 46, 1185–1187 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01936933

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