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Thyroid function during a prolonged stay in Antarctica

R C Sawhney1, A S Malhotra, C S Nair

  • 1Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Delhi Cantt, India.

European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology
|January 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Thyroid hormone levels in tropical men adapted to Antarctica, showing lower total T3 (TT3) in summer and higher levels in winter. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) also increased, indicating adaptation to polar conditions.

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Environmental Physiology
  • Polar Medicine

Background:

  • The Antarctic environment presents unique physiological challenges, including extreme cold, prolonged darkness (polar night), and continuous daylight (polar day).
  • Understanding human physiological adaptation to such extreme environments is crucial for maintaining health and performance during expeditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the adaptation of the thyroid gland in healthy tropical men residing in Antarctica for one year.
  • To analyze changes in thyroid hormone concentrations and their relationship with environmental factors and physical activity.

Main Methods:

  • Nine healthy euthyroid tropical men from the Sixth Indian Antarctic Expedition were studied over one year.
  • Circulatory concentrations of thyroid hormones (TT4, TT3, FT4, FT3, rT3), TBG, T3 uptake, TSH, and cortisol were measured monthly in Antarctica and compared to baseline values from New Delhi.

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Main Results:

  • Total T3 (TT3) concentrations were significantly lower at the end of the Austral summer (March) and increased during the Austral winter (August).
  • Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations were significantly higher in March, April, November, and December compared to New Delhi.
  • Cortisol levels were higher during the Austral winter, indicating maintained rhythmicity at an elevated level.

Conclusions:

  • Subtle changes in thyroid hormones during prolonged Antarctic residence are influenced by extreme cold, physical activity, polar day, and polar night.
  • The observed hormonal shifts suggest a complex adaptation mechanism of the thyroid axis to the polar environment.