Exercise induced hemoconcentration following spleen contraction in subjects with COPD

Abstract

The blood-boosting spleen contraction represents a potential protective response to hypoxia by raising the blood gas storage capacity. Human spleen contraction has been observed during exercise, apnea and simulated altitude resulting in ejection of stored red blood cells into circulation. High-altitude exposure has been shown to increase spleen contraction suggesting that long-term hypoxia may improve the response in humans. Subjects with COPD are often exposed to hypoxia, which limits their physical performance. However, it is not known if spleen contraction occurs in subjects with COPD. Our aim was to reveal whether subjects with COPD recruit the spleen erythrocyte reserve during mild exercise.