Function of argining vasopressin in adapting to high altitude and low oxygen

  Objective   To study the changes of AVP content in native Tibetans at high altitude and discuss its singnificance in adapting of high altitude and low oxygen.

  Methods   To use the method of radioimmunoassay (RIA) to sutdy the changes of AVP content (pg/L) in serum of the healthy native Tibetans living at 2 261, 3 840, 4 280 meters above sea level.

  Results   AVP content in serum of the native tibetans increased with same age and living in altitude upward area(P < 0.01).Serum A VP content of the native tibetans increased living in same alt itude increased with aging(P < 0.01).

  Conclusion   AVP helped the native tibetans cope with their environment of high altitude and low oxygen.