STRESS FROM EXERCISE IN THE BELOW SEA LEVEL ENVIRONMENT CAUSES AN INCREASE IN SERUM TESTOSTERONE LEVELS IN TRAINED ATHLETES

Abstract

A comparative study (n = 20) of serum levels of leutinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) between male trained athletes (high-shool students, 16–18 years old) living in North and South Shouna in the Jordan Valley (JV), 320–360 meters below sea level, and those living in Ramtha and Irbid, 550–650 meters above sea level, was conducted in November, 1999. Serum levels of LH and T were also measured in these athletes following a 20 Km non-competitive run. The air temperatures on the day of the experiment was comparable (25°C in North and South Shouna versus 23°C in Ramtha and Irbid). Before exercise, serum levels of LH and T in athletes of the below sea level environment (North and South Shouna) were similar to those levels in athletes of the above sea level environment (Ramtha and Irbid). Exercise caused a significant increase in serum levels of both LH and T only in athletes of North and South Shouna. It seems likely that the higher secretion of LH contributes, at least in part, for the higher serum levels of T following exercise. Taken together, these data suggest that exercise has an effect on LH and T secretion that is similar to that of fasting. And finally, the below sea level environmental factors, such as the high barometric pressure, as well as the genetic background of the athletes affect the pituitary and adrenal cortex as well as testicular tissue, resulting in the secretion of more LH and T.