Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whether erythrocyte hemolysis occurs during
a mountain ascent over snow and ice to 3285 meters. Data were collected from six experienced
recreational mountaineers, 2 females and 4 males, who participated in a six-day ice
climbing seminar and peak ascent in the North Cascades mountain range of the United
States. Blood samples were collected from an antecubital vein at sea level (S1), in
a base camp at 1515 m prior to the summit ascent (S2), on the summit at 3285 m after
6.5 hours of climbing (S3), at base camp immediately after the descent (S4), and at
sea level following a trail descent from the base camp (S5). Whole blood samples were
chilled and analyzed for complete blood count including hemoglobin (Hb) concentration,
hematocrit (Hct), and white blood cell count (WBC). Serum was frozen and later analyzed
for serum haptoglobin (Hapt). No significant changes were found for Hct and Hb among
the samples. Mean (±SEM) Hapt values were 125 (±28), 113 (±25), 100 (±18), 103 (±32),
and 109 (±23) mg·dl-1 for S1 through S5, respectively. No significant differences were found among the
Hapt values. Plasma volume changes (%PVC) were calculated from Hct and Hb. Mean estimated%PVC
were -4.16 (±1.55), -2.54 (±3.93), 7.46 (±4.86), and 4.80 (±3.49) percent between
S1 and S2, S2 and S3, S3 and S4, and S4 and S5, respectively. Total body haptoglobin
(TBH) was estimated from Hapt and%PVC in an attempt to correct for the plasma volume
change effect on haptoglobin concentration. Although estimated TBH showed a decreasing
trend during ascent and did not return to Sl level following descent, the differences
were not significant. WBC was significantly increased in S3 and S4. This increase
in WBC could indicate an acute phase response. Since Hapt is known to increase with
an acute phase response, decreases in Hapt due to acute hemolysis could have been
masked. Within the limitations of this study, however, it appears that significant
intravascular hemolysis does not occur during the task of alpine mountaineering.
Key words
Acute phase response - exercise hematology - haptoglobin - hemolysis - mountaineering
- exertion
