Increase in Carbohydrate Utilization in High-Altitude Andean Mice

The low oxygen levels at high altitude are a potent and unavoidable physiological stressor to which highland mammals must adapt. One hypothesized adaptation to high altitude is an increased reliance on carbohydrates to support aerobic activities. Based on stoichiometries of combustion, ATP yield per mole of oxygen from carbohydrates is approximately 15% higher than from lipids (observed difference closer to 30%), and increased carbohydrate use …