Study of moderate and high altitude stress on urinary T3, T4, cortisol and plasma TSH levels of humans

Abstract

Studies have been made on the excretion of T3, T4 and cortisol in the early morning urine specimens (EMU) of ten male Indian sea level dwellers at a moderate altitude (2200 m) and at a high altitude (3658 m). T3, T4 and cortisol excretion in the EMU specimens were markedly elevated at high altitude in comparison with moderate altitude and sea level values. The level of these parameters was also increased at a moderate latitude in comparison with their respective sea level values. Plasma TSH level at high altitude remained unchanged in comparison with moderate altitude and the sea level base data. On return of the subjects from high to moderate altitude and sea level conditions, the studied urinary parameters reverted to the original values.