Endocrine Studies at High Altitude. II. Adrenal Cortical Function in Sea Level Natives Exposed to High Altitudes (4300 Meters) for Two Weeks

Abstract
Ten young adult males were exposed to 4300 meters of altitude for 2 weeks. Urinary 17-ketogenic steroids (17-KGS), 17-hy-droxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS), and the cortisol secretion rate were transitorily increased. Urinary 17-ketosteroids (17-KS) were not significantly modified. The changes observed in 17-OHCS with exposure to high altitude are similar to those found with an 8-hr. intravenous infusion of 1 U of ACTH. Possible interpretations of the observed dissociation between 17-KS and the other variables studied are discussed.