Effect of high-altitude exposure on skeletal muscle mitochondrial subcellular distribution, ultrastructure, and respiration in sea-level residents

2025/07/03 by Camilla Tvede Schytz, Joachim Nielsen, Niels Ørtenblad +3 · 1 voice · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · #High Altitude and Hypoxia #Mitochondrial Function and Pathology #Adipose Tissue and Metabolism

paper · doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00042.2025

Abstract

Skeletal muscle mitochondrial networks may adapt to high altitude by improving respiratory efficiency. We show that despite an increased mitochondrial volume density following a 28-day sojourn at 3,454 m, the surface area of the infoldings of the inner mitochondrial membrane (cristae) decreased within the muscle fiber due to a decline in the mitochondrial cristae density. However, respiration per cristae surface area increased following 7 and 28 days, suggesting intrinsic adjustments.

Citations

• Protein crowding in the inner mitochondrial membrane

Cited by

• Mitochondrial cristae density is increased following high-intensity interval training in men with type 2 diabetes

Discussions

• News from our lab: 4 weeks of altitude decreases skeletal muscle mitochondrial cristae density in humans (but mitochondrial respiration increased). Great work by Camilla Schytz, Carsten Lundby, and co [bsky, 17 points, 0 comments]

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