Analysis of Transcriptional Responses to Altitude-Induced Hypoxia in Bronchial Epithelium, Bronchio-Alveolar Cells, and Blood Reveals Differences Between Smokers and Nonsmokers [alveolar]

Blood, bronchial epithelium, and bronchio-alveolar cells were collected in a double blind study. Individuals were exposed to 'ground' and 'flight' conditions using a hypobaric chamber for approximately 5 hours. Blood samples were collected over 4 time points and both bronchial cells were collected at the last time point. Samples were collected from 20 individuals, comprised of 10 smokers and 10 nonsmokers. Both subgroups of smokers and nonsmokers were comprised of 5 males and 5 females each. Collection timepoint 4 = taken 1.5 hours after exposure to 'altitude' ended