Hormonal Responses and Biochemical Changes Due to Exposure to Noise Stress

Abstract

The present work was carried out to study the possible relationship between the hypothalamic - pituitary adrenal axis function as measured by plasma adrenocorticotopic hormone (ACTH and cortisol) of workers exposed to acute and chronic industrial noise stress, and its relation to blood pressure , some hormonal and biochemical parameters of the body known as stress indices were assessed. The level of noise pressure at the different chosen industrial chambers was assessed. The results showed that acute industrial noise stress elicited an increase in ACTH, cortisol as well as elevation of systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. These results can suggest a possible relationship between the development of hypertension and hypothalamic - pituitary adrenal axis stimulation in acute noise stress. This is not the case in chronic noise stress in which ACTH decreased, while cortisol increased and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were normal. An adaptability to prolonged noise exposure may account for normal blood pressure. The level of • testosterone decreased significantly in workers who were exposed to industrial noise more than 20 years.