Immunophysiologic mechanisms of adaptation to extreme conditions
Novikov, V.S.
Fiziologiia Cheloveka 22(2): 25-34
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0131-1646 PMID: 8706992 Document Number: 461449
Theoretical and practical aspects of adaptation were considered. Immunophysiological mechanisms of human adaptation to the Arctic conditions, hot alpine-desert climate, hypobaric hypoxia, hypothermia, and radiation were revealed. In the Arctic, relative stabilization and synchronization of homeostatic processes continue during 2-3 years and result in the development of a new functional level for systems responsible for body defense. The effect of the extreme factors of a hot climate is accompanied by disturbances in interhemispheric relationships and development of psychosomatic changes. Adaptation to hypobaric hypoxia results in a significant expansion of physiological reserves of the cardiovascular system, regulation of head vessel tone, increased statokinetic resistance and tolerance for respiration under excessive pressure, improved work capacity, and activation of the erythron system and specific defense system. Immunophysiological changes produced by high temperatures serve as an example of so-called stress-induced immunodepression. Radiation of varying intensity is accompanied by a cascade of immunophysiological changes representing body's response to stress.