High-altitude acclimation increases the triacylglycerol/fatty acid cycle at rest and during exercise

Lactate signaling and fuel selection in rainbow trout: mobilization of energy reserves

Lactate is now recognized as a regulator of fuel selection in mammals because it inhibits lipolysis by binding to the hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 1 (HCAR1). The goals of this study were to quantify the effects of exogenous lactate on: 1) lipolytic rate or rate of appearance of glycerol in the circulation (Ra glycerol) and hepatic glucose production (Ra glucose), and 2) key tissue proteins involved in lactate signaling, glucose transport, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, lipolysis, and β-oxidation in rainbow trout. Measurements of fuel mobilization kinetics show that lactate does not affect lipolysis as it does in mammals (Ra glycerol remains at 7.3 ± 0.5 µmol·kg-1·min-1), but strongly reduces hepatic glucose production (16.4 ± 2.0 to 8.9 ± 1.2 µmol·kg-1·min-1). This reduction is likely induced by decreasing gluconeogenic flux through the inhibition of cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (Pck1, alternatively called Pepck1; 60% and 24% declines in gene expression and protein level, respectively). It is also caused by lactate substituting for glucose as a fuel in all tissues except white muscle that increases glut4a expression and has limited capacity for monocarboxylate transporter (Mct)-mediated lactate import. We conclude that lipolysis is not affected by hyperlactatemia because trout show no activation of autocrine Hcar1 signaling (gene expression of the receptor is unchanged or even repressed in red muscle). Lactate regulates fuel mobilization via Pck1-mediated suppression of gluconeogenesis and by replacing glucose as a fuel. This study highlights important functional differences in the Hcar1 signaling system between fish and mammals for the regulation of fuel selection.

Thermogenesis is supported by high rates of circulatory fatty acid and triglyceride delivery in highland deer mice

Highland native deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) have greater rates of lipid oxidation during maximal cold challenge in hypoxia (hypoxic cold-induced V˙O2max) compared to their lowland conspecifics. Lipid oxidation is also increased in deer mice acclimated to simulated high altitude (cold hypoxia), regardless of altitude ancestry. The underlying lipid metabolic pathway traits responsible for sustaining maximal thermogenic demand in deer mice is currently unknown. The objective of this study was to characterize key steps in the lipid oxidation pathway in highland and lowland deer mice acclimated to control (23oC, 21kPa O2) or cold hypoxic (5oC, 12kPa O2) conditions. We hypothesized that capacities for lipid delivery and tissue uptake will be greater in highlanders and further increase with cold hypoxia acclimation. With the transition from rest to hypoxic cold-induced V˙O2max, both highland and lowland deer mice showed increased plasma glycerol concentrations and fatty acid availability. Interestingly, cold hypoxia acclimation led to increased plasma triglyceride concentrations at cold-induced V˙O2max, but only in highlanders. Highlanders also had significantly greater delivery rates of circulatory free fatty acids and triglycerides due to higher plasma flow rates at cold-induced V˙O2max. We found no population or acclimation differences in fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36) abundance in the gastrocnemius or brown adipose tissue, suggesting fatty acid uptake across membranes is not limiting during thermogenesis. Our data indicate that circulatory lipid delivery plays a major role in supporting the high thermogenic rates observed in highland versus lowland deer mice.

Effect of high altitude on human postprandial 13 C-octanoate metabolism, intermediary metabolites, gastrointestinal peptides, and visceral perception

OBJECTIVE

At high altitude (HA), acute mountain sickness (AMS) is accompanied by neurologic and upper gastrointestinal symptoms (UGS). The primary aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that delayed gastric emptying (GE), assessed by ¹³ C-octanoate breath testing (OBT), causes UGS in AMS. The secondary aim was to assess post-gastric mechanisms of OBT, which could confound results under these conditions, by determination of intermediary metabolites, gastrointestinal peptides, and basal metabolic rate.

METHODS

A prospective trial was performed in 25 healthy participants (15 male) at 4559 m (HA) and at 490 m (Zurich). GE was assessed by OBT (428 kcal solid meal) and UGS by visual analogue scales (VAS). Blood sampling of metabolites (glucose, free fatty acids (FFA), triglycerides (TG), beta-hydroxyl butyrate (BHB), L-lactate) and gastrointestinal peptides (insulin, amylin, PYY, etc.) was performed as well as blood gas analysis and spirometry.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

variance analyses, bivariate correlation, and multilinear regression analysis.

RESULTS

After 24 h under hypoxic conditions at HA, participants developed AMS (p < 0.001). ¹³ CO₂ exhalation kinetics increased (p < 0.05) resulting in reduced estimates of gastric half-emptying times (p < 0.01). However, median resting respiratory quotients and plasma profiles of TG indicated that augmented beta-oxidation was the main predictor of accelerated ¹³ CO₂ -generation under these conditions.

CONCLUSION

Quantification of ¹³ C-octanoate oxidation by a breath test is sensitive to variation in metabolic (liver) function under hypoxic conditions. ¹³ C-breath testing using short-chain fatty acids is not reliable for measurement of gastric function at HA and should be considered critically in other severe hypoxic conditions, like sepsis or chronic lung disease.

Alterations to mitochondrial fatty-acid use in skeletal muscle after chronic exposure to hypoxia depend on metabolic phenotype

We investigated the effects of chronic hypoxia on the maximal use of and sensitivity of mitochondria to different substrates in rat slow-oxidative (soleus, SOL) and fast-glycolytic (extensor digitorum longus, EDL) muscles. We studied mitochondrial respiration in situ in permeabilized myofibers, using pyruvate, octanoate, palmitoyl-carnitine (PC), or palmitoyl-coenzyme A (PCoA). The hypophagia induced by hypoxia may also alter metabolism. Therefore, we used a group of pair-fed rats (reproducing the same caloric restriction, as observed in hypoxic animals), in addition to the normoxic control fed ad libitum. The resting respiratory exchange ratio decreased after 21 days of exposure to hypobaric hypoxia (simulated elevation of 5,500 m). The respiration supported by pyruvate and octanoate were unaffected. In contrast, the maximal oxidative respiratory rate for PCoA, the transport of which depends on carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1), decreased in the rapid-glycolytic EDL and increased in the slow-oxidative SOL, although hypoxia improved affinity for this substrate in both muscle types. PC and PCoA were oxidized similarly in normoxic EDL, whereas chronic hypoxia limited transport at the CPT-1 step in this muscle. The effects of hypoxia were mediated by caloric restriction in the SOL and by hypoxia itself in the EDL. We conclude that improvements in mitochondrial affinity for PCoA, a physiological long-chain fatty acid, would facilitate fatty-acid use at rest after chronic hypoxia independently of quantitative alterations of mitochondria. Conversely, decreasing the maximal oxidation of PCoA in fast-glycolytic muscles would limit fatty-acid use during exercise.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Affinity for low concentrations of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) in mitochondria skeletal muscles increases after chronic hypoxia. Combined with a lower respiratory exchange ratio, this suggests facility for fatty acid utilization at rest. This fuel preference is related to caloric restriction in oxidative muscle and to hypoxia in glycolytic one. In contrast, maximal oxidation for LCFA is decreased by chronic hypoxia in glycolytic muscle and can explain glucose dependence at exercise.

Impact of high altitude on the hepatic fatty acid oxidation and synthesis in rats

High altitude (HA) affects energy metabolism. The impact of acute and chronic HA acclimatization on the major metabolic pathways is still controversial. In this study, we aimed to unveil the impact of HA on the key enzymes involved in the fatty acid (FA) metabolism in liver. Rats were exposed to an altitude of 4300 m for 30 days and the expressions of two key proteins involved in FA β-oxidation (carnitine palmitoyl transferase I, CPT-I; and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, PPARα), two proteins involved in FA synthesis (acetyl CoA carboxylase-1, ACC-1; and AMP-activated protein kinase, AMPK), as well as the total ketone body in the liver and the plasma FFAs were examined. Rats without HA exposure were used as controls. We observed that the acute exposure of rats to HA (3 days) led to a significant increase in the expressions of CPT-I and PPARα and in the total hepatic ketone body. Longer exposure (15 days) caused a marked decrease in the expression of CPT-I and PPARα. By 30 days after HA exposure, the expression levels of CPT-I and PPARα returned to the control level. The hepatic ACC-1 level showed a significant increase in rats exposed to HA for 1 and 3 days. In contrast, the hepatic level of AMPK showed a significant reduction throughout the experimental period. Plasma FFA concentrations did not show any significant changes following HA exposure. Thus, increased hepatic FA oxidation and synthesis in the early phase of HA exposure may be among the important mechanisms for the rats to respond to the hypoxic stress in order to acclimatize themselves to the stressful environments.

Extending food deprivation reverses the short-term lipolytic response to fasting: role of the triacylglycerol/fatty acid cycle

The effects of short-term food deprivation on lipid metabolism are well documented, but little is known about prolonged fasting. This study monitored the kinetics of glycerol (rate of appearance, R(a) glycerol) and non-esterified fatty acids (R(a) NEFA) in fasting rabbits. Our goals were to determine whether lipolysis is stimulated beyond values seen for short-term fasting, and to characterize the roles of primary (intracellular) and secondary (with transit through the circulation) triacylglycerol/fatty acid cycling (TAG/FA cycling) in regulating fatty acid allocation to oxidation or re-esterification. R(a) glycerol (9.62±0.72 to 15.29±0.96 μmol kg(-1) min(-1)) and R(a) NEFA (18.05±2.55 to 31.25±1.93 μmol kg(-1) min(-1)) were stimulated during the first 2 days of fasting, but returned to baseline after 4 days. An initial increase in TAG/FA cycling was followed by a reduction below baseline after 6 days without food, with primary and secondary cycling contributing to these responses. We conclude that the classic activation of lipolysis caused by short-term fasting is abolished when food deprivation is prolonged. High rates of re-esterification may become impossible to sustain, and TAG/FA cycling could decrease to reduce its cost to 3% of total energy expenditure. Throughout prolonged fasting, fatty acid metabolism gradually shifts towards increased oxidation and reduced re-esterification. Survival is achieved by pressing fuel selection towards the fatty acid dominance of energy metabolism and by slowing substrate cycles to assist metabolic suppression. However, TAG/FA cycling remains active even after prolonged fasting, suggesting that re-esterification is a crucial mechanism that cannot be stopped without harmful consequences.

Hypoxia: adapting to high altitude by mutating EPAS-1, the gene encoding HIF-2α

Living at high altitude is demanding and thus drives adaptational mechanisms. The Tibetan population has had a longer evolutionary period to adapt to high altitude than other mountain populations such as Andeans. As a result, some Tibetans living at high altitudes do not show markedly elevated red blood cell production as compared to South American high altitude natives such as Quechuas or Aymaras, thereby avoiding high blood viscosity creating cardiovascular risk. Unexpectedly, the responsible mutation(s) reducing red blood cell production do not involve either the gene encoding the blood hormone erythropoietin (Epo), or the corresponding regulatory sequences flanking the Epo gene. Similarly, functional mutations in the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1α (HIF-1α) gene that represents the oxygen-dependent subunit of the HIF-1 heterodimer, the latter being the main regulator of over 100 hypoxia-inducible genes, have not been described so far. It was not until very recently that three independent groups showed that the gene encoding HIF-2α, EPAS-1 (Wenger et al. 1997), represents a key gene mutated in Tibetan populations adapted to living at high altitudes (Beall et al. 2010 , Yi et al. 2010 , Simonson et al. 2010). Hypoxia-inducible transcription factors were first identified by the description of HIF-1 (Semenza et al. 1991 , 1992), which was subsequently found to enhance transcription of multiple genes that encode proteins necessary for rescuing from hypoxic exposure, including erythropoietic, angiogenic and glycolytic proteins. Then HIF-2 was identified (Ema et al. 1997 ; Flamme et al. 1997 ; Hogenesch et al. 1997 ; and Tian et al. 1997) and although it is highly similar to HIF-1 and has the potential to bind (Camenisch et al. 2001) and mediate (Mole et al. 2009) many of the same genes as HIF-1, its biological actions in response to hypoxia are distinct from those of HIF-1 (reviewed by Loboda et al. 2010). By now, several of these HIF-2 mediated processes have been implicated in the human response to high altitude exposure including erythropoiesis (Kapitsinou et al. 2010), iron homeostasis (Peyssonnaux et al. 2008), metabolism (Shohet et al. 2007; Tormos et al. 2010; Biswas et al. 2010 ; Rankin et al. 2009) and vascular permeability (Chen et al. 2009; Tanaka et al. 2005), among others. Clearly, mutation of EPAS-1 has the potential to bring far more advantage when adapting to high altitude than solely mutating the Epo gene.

Impairment of mitochondrial beta-oxidation in rats under cold-hypoxic environment

Mitochondrial beta-oxidation of fatty acid provides a major source of energy in mammals. High altitude (HA), characterized by hypobaric hypoxia and low ambient temperatures, causes alteration in metabolic homeostasis. Several studies have depicted that hypoxic exposure in small mammals causes hypothermia due to hypometabolic state. Moreover, cold exposure along with hypoxia reduces hypoxia tolerance in animals. The present study investigated the rate of beta-oxidation and key enzymes, carnitine palmitoyl transferase-I (CPT-I) and hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (HAD), in rats exposed to cold-hypobaric hypoxic environment. Male Sprague Dawley rats (190-220 g) were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 6 rats in each group): 1 day hypoxia (H1); 7 days hypoxia (H7); 1 day cold (C1); 7 days cold (C7); 1 day cold-hypoxia (CH1); 7 days cold-hypoxia (CH7) exposed; and unexposed control for 1 and 7 days (UC1 and UC7). After exposure, animals were anaesthetized with ketamine (50 mg/kg body weight) and xylazine (10 mg/kg body weight) intraperitonialy and sacrificed. Mitochondrial CPT-I, HAD, (14)C-palmitate oxidation in gastrocnemius muscle and liver, and plasma leptin were measured. Mitochondrial CPT-I was significantly reduced in muscle and liver in CH1 and CH7 as compared to respective controls. HAD activity was significantly reduced in H1 and CH7, and in H1, H7, CH1, and CH7 as compared to unexposed controls in muscle and liver, respectively. A concomitant decrease in (14)C-palmitate oxidation was found. Significant reduction in plasma leptin in hypoxia and cold-hypoxia suggested hypometabolic state. It can be concluded that ss-oxidation of fatty acids is reduced in rats exposed to cold-hypoxic environment due to the persisting hypometabolic state in cold-hypoxia exposure.

Fuel selection in Wistar rats exposed to cold: shivering thermogenesis diverts fatty acids from re-esterification to oxidation

This study characterizes the effects of shivering thermogenesis on metabolic fuel selection in Wistar rats. Because lipids account for most of the heat produced, we have investigated: (1) whether the rate of appearance of non-esterified fatty acids (R(a) NEFAs) is stimulated by shivering, (2) whether mono-unsaturated (oleate) and saturated fatty acids (palmitate) are affected similarly, and (3) whether the partitioning between fatty acid oxidation and re-esterification is altered by cold exposure. Fuel oxidation was measured by indirect calorimetry and fatty acid mobilization by continuous infusion of 9,10-[(3)H]oleate and 1-[(14)C]palmitate. During steady-state cold exposure, results show that total heat production is unequally shared by the oxidation of lipids (52% of metabolic rate), carbohydrates (35%) and proteins (13%), and that the same fuel selection pattern is observed at all shivering intensities. All previous research shows that mammals stimulate R(a) NEFA to support exercise or shivering. In contrast, results reveal that the R(a) NEFA of the rat remains constant during cold exposure (55 micromol kg(1) min(1)). No preferential use of mono-unsaturated over saturated fatty acids could be demonstrated. The rat decreases its rate of fatty acid re-esterification from 48.4 +/- 6.4 to 19.6 +/- 6.3 micromol kg(1) min(1) to provide energy to shivering muscles. This study is the first to show that mammals do not only increase fatty acid availability for oxidation by stimulating R(a) NEFA. Reallocation of fatty acids from re-esterification to oxidation is a novel, alternative strategy used by the rat to support shivering.

In vivoregulation of rainbow trout lipolysis by catecholamines

Lipolysis provides fatty acids that support key life processes by functioning as membrane components, oxidative fuels and metabolic signals. It is commonly measured as the rate of appearance of glycerol(Ra glycerol). Its in vivo regulation by catecholamines has been thoroughly investigated in mammals, but little information is available for ectotherms. Therefore, the goals of this study were, first, to characterize the effects of the catecholamines norepinephrine(NE) and epinephrine (Epi) on the lipolytic rate of intact rainbow trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss) and, second, to determine whether the plasma glycerol concentration is a reliable index of Ra glycerol. Our results show that baseline Ra glycerol (4.6±0.4μmol kg–1 min–1) is inhibited by NE(–56%), instead of being stimulated, as in mammals, whereas Epi has the same activating effect in both groups of vertebrates (+167%). NE-induced inhibition of fish lipolysis might play a particularly important role during aquatic hypoxia, when survival often depends on regulated metabolic depression. The plasma glycerol concentration is a poor predictor of Ra glycerol, and it should not be used as an index of lipolysis. Trout maintain a particularly high baseline lipolytic rate because only 13% of the fatty acids provided are sufficient to support total energy expenditure, whereas the remaining fatty acids must undergo reesterification(87%).

Development partly determines the aerobic performance of adult deer mice,Peromyscus maniculatus

Previous studies suggest that genetic factors and acclimation can account for differences in aerobic performance(V̇O2max) between high and low altitude populations of small mammals. However, it remains unclear to what extent development at different oxygen partial pressures(PO2) can affect aerobic performance during adulthood. Here we compared the effects of development at contrasting altitudes versus effects of acclimation during adulthood on V̇O2max. Two groups of deer mice were born and raised for 5 weeks at one of two altitudes(340 and 3800 m above sea level). Then, a subset of each group was acclimated to the opposite altitude for 8 weeks. We measured V̇O2max for each individual in hypoxia (PO2=13.5 kPa, 14%O2 at 3800 m) and normoxia (PO2=20.4 kPa, 21% O2 at 340 m) to control for PO2 effects. At 5 weeks of age, high altitude born mice attained significantly higher V̇O2max than low altitude born mice (37.1% higher in hypoxia and 72.1% higher in normoxia). Subsequently, deer mice acclimated for 8 weeks to high altitude had significantly higher V̇O2max regardless of their birth site (21.0% and 72.9% difference in hypoxia and normoxia,respectively). A significant development × acclimation site interaction comparing V̇O2maxin hypoxia and normoxia at 13 weeks of age suggests that acclimation effects depend on development altitude. Thus, reversible plasticity during adulthood cannot fully compensate for developmental effects on aerobic performance. We also found that differences in aerobic performance in previous studies may have been underestimated if animals from contrasting altitudes were measured at different PO2.

Lipid mobilization of long-distance migrant birds in vivo: the high lipolytic rate of ruff sandpipers is not stimulated during shivering

For long migrations, birds must rely on high flux capacities at all steps of lipid metabolism, from the mobilization of adipose reserves to fatty acid oxidation in flight muscle mitochondria. Substrate kinetics and indirect calorimetry were used to investigate key parameters of lipid metabolism in a highly aerobic shorebird: the ruff sandpiper Philomachus pugnax. In this study, we have quantified the effects of cold exposure because such measurements are presently impossible during flight. Lipolytic rate was monitored by continuous infusion of 2-[3H]-glycerol and lipid oxidation by respirometry. Plasma lipid concentrations (non-esterified fatty acids, neutral lipids and phospholipids) and their fatty acid composition were also measured to assess whether cold exposure causes selective metabolism of specific lipids. Results show that shivering leads to a 47% increase in metabolic rate (44.4±3.8 ml O2kg–1min–1 to 65.2±8.1 ml O2kg–1 min–1), almost solely by stimulating lipid oxidation (33.3± 3.3 ml O2 kg–1min–1 to 48.2±6.8 ml O2kg–1 min–1) because carbohydrate oxidation remains close to 11.5± 0.5 ml O2 kg–1min–1. Sandpipers support an unusually high lipolytic rate of 55–60 μmol glycerol kg–1 min–1. Its stimulation above thermoneutral rates is unnecessary during shivering when the birds are still able to re-esterify 50% of released fatty acids. No changes in plasma lipid composition were observed, suggesting that cold exposure does not lead to selective metabolism of particular fatty acids. This study provides the first measurements of lipolytic rate in migrant birds and shows that their capacity for lipid mobilization reaches the highest values measured to date in vertebrates. Extending the limits of conventional lipid metabolism has clearly been necessary to achieve long-distance migrations.

Lipolytic and metabolic response to glucagon in fasting king penguins: phase II vs. phase III

This study aims to determine how glucagon intervenes in the regulation of fuel metabolism, especially lipolysis, at two stages of a spontaneous long-term fast characterized by marked differences in lipid and protein availability and/or utilization (phases II and III). Changes in the plasma concentration of various metabolites and hormones, and in lipolytic fluxes as determined by continuous infusion of [2-3H]glycerol and [1-14C]palmitate, were examined in vivo in a subantarctic bird (king penguin) before, during, and after a 2-h glucagon infusion. In the two fasting phases, glucagon infusion at a rate of 0.025 microg. kg(-1). min(-1) induced a three- to fourfold increase in the plasma concentration and in the rate of appearance (Ra) of glycerol and nonesterified fatty acids, the percentage of primary reesterification remaining unchanged. Infusion of glucagon also resulted in a progressive elevation of the plasma concentration of glucose and beta-hydroxybutyrate and in a twofold higher insulinemia. These changes were not significantly different between the two phases. The plasma concentrations of triacylglycerols and uric acid were unaffected by glucagon infusion, except for a 40% increase in plasma uric acid in phase II birds. Altogether, these results indicate that glucagon in a long-term fasting bird is highly lipolytic, hyperglycemic, ketogenic, and insulinogenic, these effects, however, being similar in phases II and III. The maintenance of the sensitivity of adipose tissue lipolysis to glucagon could suggest that the major role of the increase in basal glucagonemia observed in phase III is to stimulate gluconeogenesis rather than fatty acid delivery.

Glycerol and NEFA kinetics in long-term fasting king penguins: phase IIversusphase III

In spontaneously fasting birds such as penguins, below a body mass threshold corresponding to the phase II—phase III transition, a metabolic and hormonal shift occurs and feeding behaviour is stimulated(`refeeding signal'). The major aim of this study was to determine whether a decrease in non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) release from adipose tissue could be a component of this signal. Lipolytic fluxes and primary triacylglycerol:fatty acid (TAG:FA) cycling were determined in vivoin breeding, fasting king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) using continuous infusions of 2-[3H]glycerol and 1-[14C]palmitate under field conditions. In phase II (after approximately 8 days of fasting, large fat stores, body protein spared, N=8), the rate of appearance (Ra) of glycerol and of NEFA were 5.7±0.8 and 10.5±0.4 μmol kg-1min-1, respectively, and the percentage of primary TAG:FA cycling was 41±7%. In phase III (after approximately 25 days of fasting, fat stores reduced by fourfold, increased body protein catabolism, N=9), Ra glycerol kg-1 body mass remained unchanged,whereas Ra glycerol kg-1 fat mass and Ra NEFA kg-1 body mass were increased by 2.8-fold and 1.5-fold, respectively. Increased Ra glycerol kg-1 fat mass was possibly the result of a 3.5-fold increase in circulating glucagon, the increased Ra NEFA kg-1 body mass being attributable to decreased primary TAG:FA cycling. Thus, triggering of the refeeding signal that redirects the behavior of fasting, incubating penguins from incubation towards the search for food after entrance into phase III cannot be ascribed to a reduction in lipolytic fluxes and NEFA availability.

Changes in MCT 1, MCT 4, and LDH expression are tissue specific in rats after long-term hypobaric hypoxia

Little is known about the effect of chronic hypobaric hypoxia on the enzymes and transporters involved in lactate metabolism. We looked at the protein expression of monocarboxylate transporters MCT 1, MCT 2, and MCT 4, along with total lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and LDH isozymes in skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and liver. Expression of these components of the lactate shuttle affects the ability to transport and oxidize lactate. We hypothesized that the expression of MCTs and LDH would increase after acclimation to high altitude (HA). The response to acclimation to HA was, however, tissue specific. In addition, the response was different in whole muscle (Mu) and mitochondria-enriched (Mi) fractions. Heart, soleus, and plantaris muscles showed the greatest response to HA. Acclimation resulted in a 34% increase in MCT 4 in heart and a decrease in MCT 1 (-47%) and MCT 4 (-47%) in plantaris Mu. In Mi fractions, the heart had an increase (+40%) and soleus a decrease (-40%) in LDH. HA also had a significant effect on the LDH isozyme composition of both the Mu and Mi fractions. Mitochondrial density was decreased in both the soleus (-17%) and plantaris (-44%) as a result of chronic hypoxia. We conclude that chronic hypoxia had a tissue-specific effect on MCTs and LDH (that form the lactate shuttle) but did not produce a consistent increase in these components in all tissues.