Currently, there is a new surge of interest in the problem
of hypoxia, almost lost in recent decades. Due to the fact that
the circle of competent specialists in this field has significantly narrowed,
it is necessary to carry out an intensive exchange of knowledge.
In order to inform a wide range of interested researchers and doctors,
this review summarizes the current understanding of hypoxia, its
pathogenic and adaptogenic consequences, as well as key physiological
and molecular mechanisms that implement the response to hypoxia
at various levels—from cellular to organismic. The review presents
a modern classification of forms of hypoxia, the understanding of
which is necessary for the formation of a scientifically based approach
to experimental modeling of hypoxic states. An analysis of the literature
covering the history and current level of hypoxia modeling in mammals
and human experiments, including methods for creating moderate hypoxia
used to increase the resistance of the nervous system to severe
forms of hypoxia and other extreme factors, is carried out. Special
attention is paid to the discussion of the features and limitations
of various approaches to the creation of hypoxia, as well as the
disclosure of the potential for the practical application of moderate
hypoxic effects in medicine.