Dynamic neurovascular adaptation of the retina during high-altitude hypoxia: integrated analysis of ERG and OCTA changes in healthy subjects
Abstract
This study identifies a critical "functional mismatch" in retinal neurovascular adaptation to acute hypoxia. We demonstrate that while superficial microvasculature sustains compensatory dilation up to simulated 4,500 m, neuronal function significantly declines. This dissociation suggests that vascular autoregulation reaches a functional ceiling, failing to sustain neural activity under severe stress. These findings establish the retina as a sensitive noninvasive model for determining the physiological limits of cerebral oxygen regulation.
Fields of Study & Subjects
High Altitude and Hypoxia
Retinal Imaging and Analysis
Spaceflight effects on biology
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Applied Physiology
- Volume
- 140
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 733–744
- Publication date
- 10 February 2026
- Language
- EN