Plasma gonadotrophins, prolactin and corticosterone concentrations in male mice exposed to high altitude.

Groups of sexually-naive male NFR/N mice were maintained at sea level or exposed to simulated altitudes of 18 000 ft (5486 m) or 22 000 ft (6705 m) for 1, 3, 7, 14 or 28 days. Plasma LH concentrations were slightly but not significantly depressed after 1 day of hypoxia. Plasma FSH values were reduced (P < 0.05) after 1, 7, 14 and 28 days of exposure to 22 000 ft when compared to the values in the other groups. Prolactin concentrations fluctuated considerably, but were not uniformly affected by high altitude exposure. Exposure to 18 000 ft resulted in an elevation of plasma corticosterone concentration (P < 0.05) for 3 days, which was followed by a decline to control group values, whereas at 22 000 ft corticosterone levels remained elevated. These findings indicate that plasma LH values are transiently reduced during the initial 24 h of exposure to high altitude and that plasma FSH concentrations are depressed in a sustained manner during severe hypoxia.