Acute effects of exercise at low altitude (350 meters below sea level) on hormones of the anterior pituitary & cortisol in athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise on anterior pituitary hormones (adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), leutinizing hormone (LH) and growth hormone) as well as on cortisol at low altitude (350 meters below the sea level) and to compare these effects with those at a moderate level altitude (620 meters above the sea level). Ten male athletes with running experience participated in a 21-Km competitive race. Serum levels of ACTH, LH, growth hormone and cortisol were measured before and after the race at each of the altitudes. A significant increase in the serum levels of ACTH and growth hormone were observed in response to this exercise at low altitude. Similar exercise at 620 meters above the sea level resulted in a significant increase only in the serum levels of growth hormone. Serum levels of LH were not affected by this kind of exercise at both altitudes. Serum cortisol levels were increased following exercise at both altitudes. Altogether, these observations show a differential response of the anterior pituitary to exercise at low and normal altitudes. These data suggest that ACTH may have a role in the acclimatization to exercise at low altitudes. The role of growth hormone and LH in this conditioning process seems to be insignificant. The changes in serum cortisol levels in response to exercise at both altitudes correlate well with the effect of exercise on energy metabolism.

Plasma Levels of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone and Cortisol in People Living in an Environment Below Sea Level (Jordan Valley) during Fasting in the Month of Ramadan

“…On the other hand, exercise at altitudes above sea level has no statistically significant stimulatory effect on plasma ACTH levels. Plasma cortisol levels in athletes were higher following exercise in environments both below and above sea level [1, 2]. It was suggested that the higher barometric pressure and higher temperature of the JV is responsible for this increase in ACTH levels in response to exercise.…”

“…Hormonal homeostasis, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in people of the Jordan Valley (JV), which is located at 320 m below sea level, were shown to be different from those of people living above sea level [1, 2, 3, 4]. Bashir et al [1]suggested that exercise in trained athletes in the JV increases pituitary secretion of ACTH leading to higher plasma ACTH levels.…”

“…Bashir et al [1]suggested that exercise in trained athletes in the JV increases pituitary secretion of ACTH leading to higher plasma ACTH levels. On the other hand, exercise at altitudes above sea level has no statistically significant stimulatory effect on plasma ACTH levels.…”

Lifestyle, stress and cortisol response: Review II

“…Dulac et al found that cortisol concentrations in blood were significantly increased during long-distance swimming in cold water 98) . Serum cortisol level increases in response to exercise at moderated altitude [99][100][101] . Guilland et al observed increased urinary excretion of cortisol during mountaineering between 4,800 and 7,100 m…”

“…It was shown that thermal stress caused increases in cortisol levels [96][97][98][99] . During swimming, the concentrations of cortisol are higher when the environment is hot 98,99) . Dulac et al found that cortisol concentrations in blood were significantly increased during long-distance swimming in cold water 98) .…”