Plasma ACTH, beta‐endorphin, prolactin, growth hormone and luteinizing hormone levels after thermal stress, heat and cold

In the present study we have examined the response of ACTH, beta‐EP, PRL, GH and LH to heat and cold exposure (90° and 4°C, respectively) in eight young healthy subjects. Sauna‐induced hyperthermia resulted in an increase of plasma ACTH, beta‐EP, PRL and GH, but the exposure to cold did not stimulate the secretion of these hormones. This study indicates that hyperthermia represents a form of stress which can trigger a well‐defined neuroendocrine response, whereas cold exposure, at least under these experimental conditions, is unable to elicit significant hormonal changes.