Muscle Contractility in Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis.

Introduction/aims: Primary hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP) can present with periodic paralysis and/or permanent muscle weakness. Permanent weakness is accompanied by fat replacement of the muscle. It is unknown whether the permanent muscle weakness is solely due to fat replacement or if other factors affect the ability of the remaining muscle fibers to contract.

Pulmonary vascular adaptations to hypoxia in elite breath-hold divers.

Introduction: Elite breath-hold divers (BHD) possess several oxygen conserving adaptations to endure long dives similar to diving mammals. During dives, Bottlenose Dolphins may increase the alveolar ventilation (V) to perfusion (Q) ratio to increase alveolar oxygen delivery. We hypothesized that BHD possess similar adaptive mechanisms during apnea.

Quality of life in hypokalemic periodic paralysis - a survey.

Primary hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP) is a skeletal muscle channelopathy most commonly caused by pathogenic variants in the calcium channel gene, CACNA1S. HypoPP can present with attacks of paralysis and/or permanent muscle weakness. Previous studies have shown that patients with HypoPP can have impaired quality of life (QoL).

Hemoglobin concentration and blood shift during dry static apnea in elite breath hold divers.

Introduction: Elite breath-hold divers (BHD) enduring apneas of more than 5 min are characterized by tolerance to arterial blood oxygen levels of 4.3 kPa and low oxygen-consumption in their hearts and skeletal muscles, similar to adult seals. Adult seals possess an adaptive higher hemoglobin-concentration and Bohr effect than pups, and when sedated, adult seals demonstrate a blood shift from the spleen towards the brain, lungs, and heart during apnea.