A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN-ALDOSTERONE SYSTEM AND ADRENOCORTICAL FUNCTION IN 380 HEALTHY SUBJECTS AT THREE ALTITUDES / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

ABSTRACT

Plasma renin activity, angiotensin Ⅱ, Aldosterone and cortisol in 380 healthy subjects were measured by radioim-munoassay at 10, 3700 and 4300 metres above sea level. The results showed as follows: Firstly, no significant difference was noted between Tibetan and Han residents at high altitudes with reference to these four parameters. Secondly, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and adrenocortical function in residents at high altitude revealed hypofunction. Thirdly, the responsiveness of aldosterone to renin declined gradually with increasing altitude, and slope declined as well. These changes might be considered as a chronic adaptive mechanism in residents at high altitude to hyposic environment.It may be suggested that appropriate use of adrenocorticosteroids may be of some clinical value in the prevention and treatment of some altitude-induced diseases.