TASTE SENSITIVITY TO PTC AND THYROID-FUNCTION (FT4 AND TSH) IN HIGH-ALTITUDE AND LOW-ALTITUDE KIRGHIZ POPULATIONS IN THE PAMIR

PTC taste sensitivity distribution, determined using the Harris and Ka lmus method, and analysis of thyroid activity using FT4 and TSH hormon e assays were studied in a sample of 108 high-altitude subjects (3200 m) and in 90 lowlanders (900 m) from two different regions of Kirghizs tan (Central Asia). All subjects were healthy Kirghiz males. In agreem ent with other available data on Kirghiz populations, a higher nontast er frequency was found in the high-altitude subjects. Furthermore, the results of our study indicate no association between thyroid function , PTC sensitivity, and age in both samples. No difference in thyroid f unction indicators was noted between highlanders and lowlanders.