[Pituitary hormone responses to exercise at high altitudes].

The secretory responses of the anterior pituitary hormone to physiological stress were studied in healthy male volunteers. Measurements of blood LH, FSH, Prolactin, GH, ACTH, lactate, pyruvate and hematocrit were made from blood samples taken at rest, after 15 minutes at sea level, and at an altitude of 4000 m and 5500 m modulated in a climate-controlled room. The results are summarized as follows: Blood levels of Prolactin and ACTH were increased after exercise at a high altitude. Blood levels of LH and FSH after exercise at each altitude were not significantly different from those at rest. Blood GH level was increased after exercise at any altitude. Blood levels of lactate and pyruvate were increased after exercise at any altitude. These results suggest that the secretory response of the anterior pituitary hormone to physiological stress is prominent in Prolactin, GH and ACTH but not in FSH and LH.