Response of plasma arginine vasopressin levels to rapid changes in altitude

Summary. Plasma arginine vasopressin levels were studied in 15 normal working men exposed at 4-day intervals to a rapid increase or decrease in altitude of 2000 m. Plasma arginine vasopressin levels were significantly lower (P<0·001) at the higher altitude though plasma osmolality did not change. It is concluded that the important diuresis known to physiologically occur in response to high altitude may be related to a decrease in antidiuretic hormone release.