EVALUATION OF A MODEL OF HYPOXIA - THE RH ESUS-MONKEY

The electrophysiological and behavioral effects of hypobaric hypoxia c orresponding to an altitude of 5,500 m were investigated in four Rhesu s monkeys as part of the evaluation of a model of hypoxia for man. The electroencephalogram and the electrocardiogram were recorded and anim als were observed on a video screen prior to and during climb at a rat e of 275 m/min, during the plateau at 5,500 m for one hour, and during descent at the same rate as ascent. Data were compared with data coll ected during a reference test in normoxia. Results are very similar to those observed in man, i.e. an increase in EEG slow waves, an increas e by nearly 30 % in heart rate at the beginning of the plateau, and a change in behavior mostly characterized by drowsiness, agitation and n ausea. The Rhesus monkey therefore seems to be a reliable model for hy poxia studies in man, and should be useful in psychopharmacology studi es, especially for the evaluation of neuroprotectors.