title: Endocrine aspects of high altitude acclimatization and acute mountain sickness.
abstract: The acute acclimatization to high altitude is underpinned by a diuresis (and to a lesser extent a natriuresis) that facilitates a reduction in plasma volume. This allows a haemoconcentration to occur that increases the oxygen carrying capacity of a given volume of blood, a vital effect in the presence of a reduced partial pressure of oxygen. This critical acclimatization process is orchestrated by the endocrine system. This review will present the key evidence regarding the changes in several important hormones that affect this process.
authors.affiliation: Dept of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Northumbria NHS Trust. DoctorDRWoods@aol.com
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Woods
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stacey
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: de Alwis
mesh_terms: D000064:Acclimatization / Q000502:physiology*; D000208:Acute Disease; D000532:Altitude Sickness / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor / Q000502:physiology; D004231:Diuresis; D006728:Hormones / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000502:physiology; D009051:Mountaineering / Q000502:physiology*; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000502:physiology; D010953:Plasma Volume; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System; D014667:Vasopressins / Q000502:physiology; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance
chemical_list: D006728:Hormones; D014667:Vasopressins; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor; D006854:Hydrocortisone