Changes in the epithelial coat of the nasal mucosa in adaptation to high altitude

The surface of the epithelial layer of the nasal mucosa of rabbits was examined by scanning electron microscopy during adaptation to high-altitude conditions. Hyperfunction of the mucosa that was manifested morphologically in the increased number of goblet cells, intensification of their secretion and in the appearance of piriform protrusions at the apical surface of ciliated cells were observed at an early period of adaptation. The changes enumerated tended to normalization after the animals stayed in high mountains for a month. These data allow the conclusion about the compensatory and adaptive character of the changes recorded and regarding one month as a minimal period required for a body to adapt to the extreme high-altitude conditions.