Studies of the diving reflex in comparative evolutionary terms have shown that a complex of reactions providing the oxygen-saving effect during diving is inherent in human as well as in the secondary-aquatic mammals. This is confirmed by study of peculiarities of energy metabolism the simulated diving (it is the breath holding with face immersed into the cold water—what we call the cold-hypoxic-hypercapnic effect, CHE). Data of gas analysis have shown that the oxygen consumption rate during the diving imitation is statistically significantly lower than during the usual expiration delay (Genche’s test). We have revealed that under effect of adaptation to CHE, on the background of a reduction of the total energy consumption by the organism there occurs a slight increase in contribution of aerobic processes to its energy supply. Adaptation to CHE has been shown to be accompanied by a decrease in reactivity of the parasympathetic chain of regulation of the heart chronotropic function and by an increase of duration of apnea. The apnea duration is directly correlated with level of insulin—the hormone stimulating activity of the anaerobic energy pathway provision. Under effect of adaptation to CHE there has been established an increase of the organism resistance to stress actions, which is confirmed by the lower levels of cortisol and thyroid hormones in representatives of the experimental group as compared with the control one.
Journal of Evolutionary Biochemistry and Physiology, 2010, Vol. 46, No. 5, pp. 489—500.