Abstract:

The changes of serum thyroid hormone total thyroxine (TT4), triodothyronine (TT3), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and plasma catecholamine,including norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), dopemine (DA) were investigated in 10 male Antarctic expedition members (in Great Wall Station) under extreme environmental condition by CLIA and HPLC ECD. Samples were taken at different time: (1) before leaving to Antarctica (2) returned to China after living 1 year and 2 weeks in Antarctica. Comparing of before leaving and returned, results showed that there was a significant decrease in the contents of TT4 (P<0.01), with no significant change in the content of TT3. It was also found that the content of TSH increased significantly (P<0.01); No significant changes of plasma NE and DA were found,but the content of E decreased significantly (P<0.05). The results indicated that the special Antarctic environment led to a restrain effect on the thyroid function and the level of plasma E in Antarctic expedition members. Both the thyroid and adrenal system were associated in response to the Antarctic systemic stress to maintain the balance between human bodies and environments.