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[Hormonal variation during physical exertion at high altitude]
Archivos De Biologia Andina
|July 1, 1977
Summary
High altitude exercise impacts endocrine function. Acclimatized individuals show some adaptation, while native high-altitude dwellers exhibit metabolic and endocrine responses similar to elite athletes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Sports Physiology
- Altitude Medicine
Background:
- Physical exercise at high altitude presents unique physiological challenges.
- Understanding endocrine responses is crucial for athletes and high-altitude residents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of physical exercise at high altitude on endocrine function.
- To compare responses between sea-level natives and high-altitude natives.
Main Methods:
- Studied 8 sea-level natives (acute & acclimatized) and 8 high-altitude natives.
- Experiments conducted at 4,500m, involving sub-maximal and maximal exercise.
- Measured plasma glucose, cortisol, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon levels.
Main Results:
- Acute altitude exposure increased glucose, cortisol, and growth hormone, while decreasing insulin.
- Acclimatized sea-level natives showed less pronounced hormonal changes.
- High-altitude natives had higher basal growth hormone and glucagon, lower glucose, and elevated cortisol during exercise.
Conclusions:
- High-altitude natives demonstrate adaptive endocrine and metabolic responses to exercise.
- Responses in high-altitude natives resemble those of well-trained sea-level athletes.
- Altitude exposure increases glucagon, independent of exercise intensity.