Effect of intermittent high altitude hypoxia on the synthesis of collagenous and non-collagenous proteins of the right and left ventricular myocardium.

The incorporation of 14C-proline into collagenous and non-collagenous proteins of the right and left ventricular myocardium was investigated in rats exposed to intermittent high altitude hypoxia. Experimental results have shown that even in control animals significant differences exist in the concentration and synthesis of individual protein fractions between the right and left ventricular myocardium. Long-term exposure to intermittent high altitude hypoxia induced a significantly increased concentration of collagenous and non-collagenous proteins in both ventricles. The incorporation of 14C-proline was not affected at this period (ie period of stabilised hypertrophy) in either of the fractions studied.