Aldosterone, cortisol, and electrolyte responses to hypobaric hypoxia in moderate-altitude natives

Serum aldosterone, cortisol, and electrolyte concentration, and urinary aldosterone and electrolyte excretion responses were examined in seven low-altitude natives (LAN) (373 m or less, aged 19-25 yr) and nine moderate-altitude natives (MAN) (1,830-2,200 m, aged 19-23 yr) for 2 d at their own residence (home) altitude (PB 740 or 585 mm Hg, respectively) and later for 2 d during decompression at a simulated altitude of 4,270 m (PB 447 mm Hg). The LAN group demonstrated higher (p less than 0.05) serum cortisol concentrations and respiration rates, and lower (p less than 0.05) serum aldosterone and potassium, and urinary aldosterone, sodium, and potassium concentrations at certain times during decompression compared to their home responses. Moderate-altitude native responses, on the other hand, were generally unchanged. Manifestations of acute mountain sickness at PB 447 mm Hg were also significantly greater in the LAN group. Thus, it appears that the MAN subjects were influenced less by the drop in ambient oxygen tension associated with PB 447 mm Hg.