Potential use of nutritional factors to optimize performance under stress

Abstract

A study of the effects of amino acids on hypothalamo-pituitary capacity to secrete ACTH, and the response of the adrenal gland in terms of corticosterone level in the plasma was discussed in the first part of this report. Second, the report includes a study of the response of protein metabolism in various levels of corticosterone elevation in the plasma. This second part is regarded as having considerable significance for space travel, since this data indicate a threshold level of plasma corticosteroids above which there is increased catabolism of muscle protein