Changes in gastro-intestinal function in humans at an altitude of 3,500 m

Abstract

The gastric juice secretion, acid concentration and peptic activity were studied before and after pentagastrin stimulation in 10 sea level residents, first at sea level and then during 22 days sojourn at 3,500 m and in two other groups of 10 men, one of which consisted of natives of high altitude and the other of lowlanders acclimatized to high altitude. In addition, measurements of xylose excretion, energy, fat and protein utilization, along with fluid balance were made on sea level residents, referred to as sojourners, both at sea level and high altitude.