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

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. Overall design: 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