[Adaptive hypometabolism in man].

Two hypotheses of functional organization of hypoxic hypometabolism in man is discussed. One is a bioenergetic hypothesis stating that progressive oxygen deficiency in the cells leads to suppression of macrophage production. The other regards hypometabolism as a result of decreased energy consumption in response to hypoxia or the lack of energy of any etiology; it results in impaired intensity of energy metabolism. The letter strategy is underlain by central regulatory mechanisms for which proteins of the HIF-factor system are the most probable markers.