A dissociation of sympathoadrenal responses during acclimatization to 4300 m contributes significantly to key metabolic and physiologic adjustments necessary to adapt to high-altitude exposure. We have examined the sympathoadrenal responses to both acute and chronic high-altitude exposure at the summit of Pikes Peak, CO, in both men and women. A dissociation between the adrenal medullary response (acute) with that of the sympathetic nervous system (chronic) is observed. Both [alpha]- and [beta]-adrenergic contributions to key metabolic and physiologic adjustments to high-altitude exposure are evident.
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