Altitude sickness refers to a disease caused by the hypoxic environment at high altitude, which occurs when humans enter high-altitude areas or move to higher elevations, either immediately or within several days. It usually affects the respiratory system, cardiovascular system and nervous system, and causes significant damage to the heart and lungs. Altitude sickness is classified into acute/chronic and mild/severe forms based on onset time and severity. In this protocol, a hypobaric hypoxia chamber is used to simulate the low atmospheric pressure and hypoxic environment at high altitude. Rats are exposed to this high-altitude-like environment, resulting in cardiopulmonary injury and manifestations similar to altitude sickness.

Wistar rats (male, 7–8 weeks old)
Modeling method: Intermittent feeding in a hypobaric hypoxia chamber simulating an altitude of 5000 meters for 3 days.
Evaluation indicators: HE staining, Masson staining, fibrotic area

HE staining of myocardial tissue

Masson staining of myocardial tissue

Fibrotic area