Cortisol Secretion Rate, ACTH and Methopyrapone Tests in High Altitude Native Residents

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The cortisol secretion rate and the response to ACTH stimulation and to methopyrapone have been studied in high altitude native residents in comparison with a similar group of men living at sea level. No differences were found in the cortisol secretion rate, in the stimulation with 20 U of ACTH and in the response to methopyrapone administration. However, with 1 U of ACTH the high altitude group had a lower excretion of 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids. In view of these results it may be postulated that high altitude natives need a greater ACTH production to maintain a cortisol secretion rate similar to the one observed in the sea level group. A possible explanation for the lower response to 1 U of ACTH in high altitude natives, but a normal one to 20 U of ACTH, is offered.