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Wang W, Di Nisio E, Licursi V, Cacci E, Lupo G, Kokaia Z, Galanti S, Degan P, D’Angelo S, Castagnola P, Tavella S, Negri R. Simulated Microgravity Modulates Focal Adhesion Gene Expression in Human Neural Stem Progenitor Cells. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12111827. [PMID: 36362982 PMCID: PMC9699612 DOI: 10.3390/life12111827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We analyzed the morphology and the transcriptomic changes of human neural stem progenitor cells (hNSPCs) grown on laminin in adherent culture conditions and subjected to simulated microgravity for different times in a random positioning machine apparatus. Low-cell-density cultures exposed to simulated microgravity for 24 h showed cell aggregate formation and significant modulation of several genes involved in focal adhesion, cytoskeleton regulation, and cell cycle control. These effects were much more limited in hNSPCs cultured at high density in the same conditions. We also found that some of the genes modulated upon exposure to simulated microgravity showed similar changes in hNSPCs grown without laminin in non-adherent culture conditions under normal gravity. These results suggest that reduced gravity counteracts the interactions of cells with the extracellular matrix, inducing morphological and transcriptional changes that can be observed in low-density cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Di Nisio
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Licursi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), National Research Council (CNR) of Italy c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cacci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lupo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Zaal Kokaia
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Sergio Galanti
- Excise, Custom and Monopolies Agency, ADM, 00153 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Degan
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Sara D’Angelo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sara Tavella
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Negri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), National Research Council (CNR) of Italy c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Mhatre SD, Iyer J, Petereit J, Dolling-Boreham RM, Tyryshkina A, Paul AM, Gilbert R, Jensen M, Woolsey RJ, Anand S, Sowa MB, Quilici DR, Costes SV, Girirajan S, Bhattacharya S. Artificial gravity partially protects space-induced neurological deficits in Drosophila melanogaster. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111279. [PMID: 36070701 PMCID: PMC10503492 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight poses risks to the central nervous system (CNS), and understanding neurological responses is important for future missions. We report CNS changes in Drosophila aboard the International Space Station in response to spaceflight microgravity (SFμg) and artificially simulated Earth gravity (SF1g) via inflight centrifugation as a countermeasure. While inflight behavioral analyses of SFμg exhibit increased activity, postflight analysis displays significant climbing defects, highlighting the sensitivity of behavior to altered gravity. Multi-omics analysis shows alterations in metabolic, oxidative stress and synaptic transmission pathways in both SFμg and SF1g; however, neurological changes immediately postflight, including neuronal loss, glial cell count alterations, oxidative damage, and apoptosis, are seen only in SFμg. Additionally, progressive neuronal loss and a glial phenotype in SF1g and SFμg brains, with pronounced phenotypes in SFμg, are seen upon acclimation to Earth conditions. Overall, our results indicate that artificial gravity partially protects the CNS from the adverse effects of spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhita D Mhatre
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; KBR, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; COSMIAC Research Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Janani Iyer
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; KBR, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; Universities Space Research Association, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | - Juli Petereit
- Nevada Bioinformatics Center, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Roberta M Dolling-Boreham
- Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA 94035, USA
| | - Anastasia Tyryshkina
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Amber M Paul
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; Universities Space Research Association, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA; Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA 94035, USA; NASA Postdoctoral Program, Universities Space Research Association, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, USA
| | - Rachel Gilbert
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; NASA Postdoctoral Program, Universities Space Research Association, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Matthew Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | | | - Sulekha Anand
- Department of Biological Sciences, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA 95192, USA
| | - Marianne B Sowa
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - David R Quilici
- Nevada Proteomics Center, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Sylvain V Costes
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Santhosh Girirajan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Sharmila Bhattacharya
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; Biological and Physical Sciences Division, NASA Headquarters, Washington DC 20024, USA.
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3
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Mhatre SD, Iyer J, Puukila S, Paul AM, Tahimic CGT, Rubinstein L, Lowe M, Alwood JS, Sowa MB, Bhattacharya S, Globus RK, Ronca AE. Neuro-consequences of the spaceflight environment. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:908-935. [PMID: 34767877 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
As human space exploration advances to establish a permanent presence beyond the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with NASA's Artemis mission, researchers are striving to understand and address the health challenges of living and working in the spaceflight environment. Exposure to ionizing radiation, microgravity, isolation and other spaceflight hazards pose significant risks to astronauts. Determining neurobiological and neurobehavioral responses, understanding physiological responses under Central Nervous System (CNS) control, and identifying putative mechanisms to inform countermeasure development are critically important to ensuring brain and behavioral health of crew on long duration missions. Here we provide a detailed and comprehensive review of the effects of spaceflight and of ground-based spaceflight analogs, including simulated weightlessness, social isolation, and ionizing radiation on humans and animals. Further, we discuss dietary and non-dietary countermeasures including artificial gravity and antioxidants, among others. Significant future work is needed to ensure that neural, sensorimotor, cognitive and other physiological functions are maintained during extended deep space missions to avoid potentially catastrophic health and safety outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhita D Mhatre
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; KBR, Houston, TX, 77002, USA; COSMIAC Research Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Janani Iyer
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD, 21046, USA
| | - Stephanie Puukila
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD, 21046, USA; Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Amber M Paul
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD, 21046, USA
| | - Candice G T Tahimic
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; KBR, Houston, TX, 77002, USA; Department of Biology, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Linda Rubinstein
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD, 21046, USA
| | - Moniece Lowe
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, 98154, USA
| | - Joshua S Alwood
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Marianne B Sowa
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Sharmila Bhattacharya
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Ruth K Globus
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - April E Ronca
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA; Wake Forest Medical School, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA.
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Kharlamova A, Proshchina A, Gulimova V, Krivova Y, Soldatov P, Saveliev S. Cerebellar morphology and behavioural correlations of the vestibular function alterations in weightlessness. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 126:314-328. [PMID: 33766673 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In humans and other vertebrates, the range of disturbances and behavioural changes induced by spaceflight conditions are well known. Sensory organs and the central nervous system (CNS) are forced to adapt to new environmental conditions of weightlessness. In comparison with peripheral vestibular organs and behavioural disturbances in weightlessness conditions, the CNS vestibular centres of vertebrates, including the cerebellum, have been poorly examined in orbital experiments, as well as in experimental micro- and hypergravity. However, the cerebellum serves as a critical control centre for learning and sensory system integration during space-flight. Thus, it is referred to as a principal brain structure for adaptation to gravity and the entire sensorimotor adaptation and learning during weightlessness. This paper is focused on the prolonged spaceflight effects on the vestibular cerebellum evidenced from animal models used in the Bion-M1 project. The changes in the peripheral vestibular apparatus and brainstem primary vestibular centres with appropriate behavioural disorders after altered gravity exposure are briefly reviewed. The cerebellum studies in space missions and altered gravity are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Kharlamova
- Research Institute of Human Morphology, 117418, Tsyurupy St., 3, Moscow, Russia.
| | | | - Victoria Gulimova
- Research Institute of Human Morphology, 117418, Tsyurupy St., 3, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yulia Krivova
- Research Institute of Human Morphology, 117418, Tsyurupy St., 3, Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel Soldatov
- State Scientific Center of Russian Federation Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 123007, Khoroshevskoyoe Shosse, 76A, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Saveliev
- Research Institute of Human Morphology, 117418, Tsyurupy St., 3, Moscow, Russia
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5
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Proshchina A, Gulimova V, Kharlamova A, Krivova Y, Besova N, Berdiev R, Saveliev S. Reproduction and the Early Development of Vertebrates in Space: Problems, Results, Opportunities. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:109. [PMID: 33572526 PMCID: PMC7911118 DOI: 10.3390/life11020109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans and animals adapt to space flight conditions. However, the adaptive changes of fully formed organisms differ radically from the responses of vertebrate embryos, foetuses, and larvae to space flight. Development is associated with active cell proliferation and the formation of organs and systems. The instability of these processes is well known. Over 20 years has passed since the last systematic experiments on vertebrate reproduction and development in space flight. At the same time, programs are being prepared for the exploration of Mars and the Moon, which justifies further investigations into space flight's impact on vertebrate development. This review focuses on various aspects of reproduction and early development of vertebrates in space flights. The results of various experiments on fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals are described. The experiments in which our team took part and ontogeny of the vertebrate nervous and special sensory systems are considered in more detail. Possible causes of morphological changes are also discussed. Research on evolutionarily and taxonomically different models can advance the understanding of reproduction in microgravity. Reptiles, in particular, geckos, due to their special features, can be a promising object of space developmental biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Proshchina
- Research Institute of Human Morphology, Ministry of Science and Higher Education RF, Tsurupi Street, 3, 117418 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.); (A.K.); (Y.K.); (N.B.); (S.S.)
| | - Victoria Gulimova
- Research Institute of Human Morphology, Ministry of Science and Higher Education RF, Tsurupi Street, 3, 117418 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.); (A.K.); (Y.K.); (N.B.); (S.S.)
| | - Anastasia Kharlamova
- Research Institute of Human Morphology, Ministry of Science and Higher Education RF, Tsurupi Street, 3, 117418 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.); (A.K.); (Y.K.); (N.B.); (S.S.)
| | - Yuliya Krivova
- Research Institute of Human Morphology, Ministry of Science and Higher Education RF, Tsurupi Street, 3, 117418 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.); (A.K.); (Y.K.); (N.B.); (S.S.)
| | - Nadezhda Besova
- Research Institute of Human Morphology, Ministry of Science and Higher Education RF, Tsurupi Street, 3, 117418 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.); (A.K.); (Y.K.); (N.B.); (S.S.)
| | - Rustam Berdiev
- Research and Educational Center for Wild Animal Rehabilitation, Faculty of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1/12, 119899 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Sergey Saveliev
- Research Institute of Human Morphology, Ministry of Science and Higher Education RF, Tsurupi Street, 3, 117418 Moscow, Russia; (V.G.); (A.K.); (Y.K.); (N.B.); (S.S.)
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Pechenkova E, Nosikova I, Rumshiskaya A, Litvinova L, Rukavishnikov I, Mershina E, Sinitsyn V, Van Ombergen A, Jeurissen B, Jillings S, Laureys S, Sijbers J, Grishin A, Chernikova L, Naumov I, Kornilova L, Wuyts FL, Tomilovskaya E, Kozlovskaya I. Alterations of Functional Brain Connectivity After Long-Duration Spaceflight as Revealed by fMRI. Front Physiol 2019; 10:761. [PMID: 31333476 PMCID: PMC6621543 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study reports alterations of task-based functional brain connectivity in a group of 11 cosmonauts after a long-duration spaceflight, compared to a healthy control group not involved in the space program. To elicit the postural and locomotor sensorimotor mechanisms that are usually most significantly impaired when space travelers return to Earth, a plantar stimulation paradigm was used in a block design fMRI study. The motor control system activated by the plantar stimulation involved the pre-central and post-central gyri, SMA, SII/operculum, and, to a lesser degree, the insular cortex and cerebellum. While no post-flight alterations were observed in terms of activation, the network-based statistics approach revealed task-specific functional connectivity modifications within a broader set of regions involving the activation sites along with other parts of the sensorimotor neural network and the visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular systems. The most notable findings included a post-flight increase in the stimulation-specific connectivity of the right posterior supramarginal gyrus with the rest of the brain; a strengthening of connections between the left and right insulae; decreased connectivity of the vestibular nuclei, right inferior parietal cortex (BA40) and cerebellum with areas associated with motor, visual, vestibular, and proprioception functions; and decreased coupling of the cerebellum with the visual cortex and the right inferior parietal cortex. The severity of space motion sickness symptoms was found to correlate with a post- to pre-flight difference in connectivity between the right supramarginal gyrus and the left anterior insula. Due to the complex nature and rapid dynamics of adaptation to gravity alterations, the post-flight findings might be attributed to both the long-term microgravity exposure and to the readaptation to Earth's gravity that took place between the landing and post-flight MRI session. Nevertheless, the results have implications for the multisensory reweighting and gravitational motor system theories, generating hypotheses to be tested in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Inna Nosikova
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alena Rumshiskaya
- Radiology Department, Federal Center of Treatment and Rehabilitation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Liudmila Litvinova
- Radiology Department, Federal Center of Treatment and Rehabilitation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya Rukavishnikov
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Mershina
- Medical Research and Educational Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Valentin Sinitsyn
- Medical Research and Educational Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Angelique Van Ombergen
- Lab for Equilibrium Investigations and Aerospace, Faculty of Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ben Jeurissen
- iMec/Vision Lab, Faculty of Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Steven Jillings
- Lab for Equilibrium Investigations and Aerospace, Faculty of Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness Research Centre, Neurology Department, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness Research Centre, Neurology Department, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jan Sijbers
- iMec/Vision Lab, Faculty of Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Ludmila Chernikova
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan Naumov
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ludmila Kornilova
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Floris L. Wuyts
- Lab for Equilibrium Investigations and Aerospace, Faculty of Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Elena Tomilovskaya
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Inessa Kozlovskaya
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Reptiles in Space Missions: Results and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20123019. [PMID: 31226840 PMCID: PMC6627973 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20123019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Reptiles are a rare model object for space research. However, some reptile species demonstrate effective adaptation to spaceflight conditions. The main scope of this review is a comparative analysis of reptile experimental exposure in weightlessness, demonstrating the advantages and shortcomings of this model. The description of the known reptile experiments using turtles and geckos in the space and parabolic flight experiments is provided. Behavior, skeletal bones (morphology, histology, and X-ray microtomography), internal organs, and the nervous system (morphology, histology, and immunohistochemistry) are studied in the spaceflight experiments to date, while molecular and physiological results are restricted. Therefore, the results are discussed in the scope of molecular data collected from mammalian (mainly rodents) specimens and cell cultures in the parabolic and orbital flights and simulated microgravity. The published data are compared with the results of the gecko model studies after the 12–44.5-day spaceflights with special reference to the unique peculiarities of the gecko model for the orbital experiments. The complex study of thick-toed geckos after three spaceflights, in which all geckos survived and demonstrated effective adaptation to spaceflight conditions, was performed. However, future investigations are needed to study molecular mechanisms of gecko adaptation in space.
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Koppelmans V, Bloomberg JJ, De Dios YE, Wood SJ, Reuter-Lorenz PA, Kofman IS, Riascos R, Mulavara AP, Seidler RD. Brain plasticity and sensorimotor deterioration as a function of 70 days head down tilt bed rest. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182236. [PMID: 28767698 PMCID: PMC5540603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adverse effects of spaceflight on sensorimotor function have been linked to altered somatosensory and vestibular inputs in the microgravity environment. Whether these spaceflight sequelae have a central nervous system component is unknown. However, experimental studies have shown spaceflight-induced brain structural changes in rodents’ sensorimotor brain regions. Understanding the neural correlates of spaceflight-related motor performance changes is important to ultimately develop tailored countermeasures that ensure mission success and astronauts’ health. Method Head down-tilt bed rest (HDBR) can serve as a microgravity analog because it mimics body unloading and headward fluid shifts of microgravity. We conducted a 70-day 6° HDBR study with 18 right-handed males to investigate how microgravity affects focal gray matter (GM) brain volume. MRI data were collected at 7 time points before, during and post-HDBR. Standing balance and functional mobility were measured pre and post-HDBR. The same metrics were obtained at 4 time points over ~90 days from 12 control subjects, serving as reference data. Results HDBR resulted in widespread increases GM in posterior parietal regions and decreases in frontal areas; recovery was not yet complete by 12 days post-HDBR. Additionally, HDBR led to balance and locomotor performance declines. Increases in a cluster comprising the precuneus, precentral and postcentral gyrus GM correlated with less deterioration or even improvement in standing balance. This association did not survive Bonferroni correction and should therefore be interpreted with caution. No brain or behavior changes were observed in control subjects. Conclusions Our results parallel the sensorimotor deficits that astronauts experience post-flight. The widespread GM changes could reflect fluid redistribution. Additionally, the association between focal GM increase and balance changes suggests that HDBR also may result in neuroplastic adaptation. Future studies are warranted to determine causality and underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Koppelmans
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | | | | | - Scott J. Wood
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | | | | | - Roy Riascos
- The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | | | - Rachael D. Seidler
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Neuroscience Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Mao XW, Nishiyama NC, Campbell-Beachler M, Gifford P, Haynes KE, Gridley DS, Pecaut MJ. Role of NADPH Oxidase as a Mediator of Oxidative Damage in Low-Dose Irradiated and Hindlimb-Unloaded Mice. Radiat Res 2017; 188:392-399. [PMID: 28763287 DOI: 10.1667/rr14754.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whether nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase-derived stress can account for unloading- and radiation-induced endothelial damage and neurovascular remodeling in a mouse model. Wild-type (WT, Nox2+/+) C57BL/6 mice or Nox2-/- (B6.129S6-CYBBM) knockout (KO) mice were placed into one of the following groups: age-matched control; hindlimb unloading (HLU); low-dose/low-dose-rate radiation (LDR); or HLU with LDR simultaneously for 21 days. The mice were then sacrificed one month later. Anti-orthostatic tail suspension was used to model the unloading, fluid shift and physiological stress aspects of microgravity. The LDR was delivered using 57Co plates (0.04 Gy at 0.01 cGy/h) to the simulate whole-body irradiation, similar to that experienced while in space. Brains were isolated for characterization of various oxidative stress markers and vascular topology. The level of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) protein, a specific marker for lipid peroxidation, was measured. Expression of aquaporin-4 (AQP4), a water channel protein expressed in astrocyte end-feet, was quantified. Thirty days after simulated spaceflight, KO mice showed decreased apoptosis (P < 0.05) in the brain compared to WT counterparts. The HLU-dependent increase in apoptosis in WT mice was not observed in KO mice. The level of 4-HNE protein was significantly elevated in the hippocampus of the LDR with HLU treatment group compared to WT controls (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences among groups of Nox2-KO mice at the one-month time point. In contrast to findings in the WT animals, superoxide dismutase (SOD) level and expression of AQP4 were similar among all KO groups. In summary, for most of the parameters, the oxidative response to HLU and LDR was suppressed in Nox2-KO mice. This suggests that Nox2-containing NADPH oxidase may contribute to spaceflight environment-induced oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wen Mao
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92354
| | - Nina C Nishiyama
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92354
| | - Mary Campbell-Beachler
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92354
| | - Peter Gifford
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92354
| | - Kristine E Haynes
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92354
| | - Daila S Gridley
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92354
| | - Michael J Pecaut
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92354
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10
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Effect of Oxidative Stress on Cardiovascular System in Response to Gravity. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18071426. [PMID: 28677649 PMCID: PMC5535917 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term habitation in space leads to physiological alterations such as bone loss, muscle atrophy, and cardiovascular deconditioning. Two predominant factors—namely space radiation and microgravity—have a crucial impact on oxidative stress in living organisms. Oxidative stress is also involved in the aging process, and plays important roles in the development of cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and myocardial infarction. Here, we discuss the effects of space radiation, microgravity, and a combination of these two factors on oxidative stress. Future research may facilitate safer living in space by reducing the adverse effects of oxidative stress.
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11
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Wu X, Li D, Liu J, Diao L, Ling S, Li Y, Gao J, Fan Q, Sun W, Li Q, Zhao D, Zhong G, Cao D, Liu M, Wang J, Zhao S, Liu Y, Bai G, Shi H, Xu Z, Wang J, Xue C, Jin X, Yuan X, Li H, Liu C, Sun H, Li J, Li Y, Li Y. Dammarane Sapogenins Ameliorates Neurocognitive Functional Impairment Induced by Simulated Long-Duration Spaceflight. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:315. [PMID: 28611667 PMCID: PMC5446991 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates the occurrence of cognitive impairment in astronauts under spaceflight compound conditions, but the underlying mechanisms and countermeasures need to be explored. In this study, we found that learning and memory abilities were significantly reduced in rats under a simulated long-duration spaceflight environment (SLSE), which includes microgravity, isolation confinement, noises, and altered circadian rhythms. Dammarane sapogenins (DS), alkaline hydrolyzed products of ginsenosides, can enhance cognition function by regulating brain neurotransmitter levels and inhibiting SLSE-induced neuronal injury. Bioinformatics combined with experimental verification identified that the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway was inhibited and the MAPK pathway was activated during SLSE-induced cognition dysfunction, whereas DS substantially ameliorated the changes in brain. These findings defined the characteristics of SLSE-induced cognitive decline and the mechanisms by which DS improves it. The results provide an effective candidate for improving cognitive function in spaceflight missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorui Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine, Ministry of Education, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Dong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing Proteome Research CenterBeijing, China
| | - Junlian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Lihong Diao
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing Proteome Research CenterBeijing, China
| | - Shukuan Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Yuheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Jianyi Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Quanchun Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Weijia Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Qi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Dingsheng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Guohui Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Dengchao Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Jiaping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Yu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Guie Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Hongzhi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Zi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Chunmei Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Xinxin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Hongxing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Caizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Huiyuan Sun
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Jianwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Yongzhi Li
- The Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine, Ministry of Education, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
| | - Yingxian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Applications, China Astronaut Research and Training CenterBeijing, China
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Belov OV, Batmunkh M, Incerti S, Lkhagva O. Radiation damage to neuronal cells: Simulating the energy deposition and water radiolysis in a small neural network. Phys Med 2016; 32:1510-1520. [PMID: 27865670 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiation damage to the central nervous system (CNS) has been an on-going challenge for the last decades primarily due to the issues of brain radiotherapy and radiation protection for astronauts during space travel. Although recent findings revealed a number of molecular mechanisms associated with radiation-induced impairments in behaviour and cognition, some uncertainties exist in the initial neuronal cell injury leading to the further development of CNS malfunction. The present study is focused on the investigation of early biological damage induced by ionizing radiations in a sample neural network by means of modelling physico-chemical processes occurring in the medium after exposure. For this purpose, the stochastic simulation of incident particle tracks and water radiation chemistry was performed in realistic neuron phantoms constructed using experimental data on cell morphology. The applied simulation technique is based on using Monte-Carlo processes of the Geant4-DNA toolkit. The calculations were made for proton, 12C, and 56Fe particles of different energy within a relatively wide range of linear energy transfer values from a few to hundreds of keV/μm. The results indicate that the neuron morphology is an important factor determining the accumulation of microscopic radiation dose and water radiolysis products in neurons. The estimation of the radiolytic yields in neuronal cells suggests that the observed enhancement in the levels of reactive oxygen species may potentially lead to oxidative damage to neuronal components disrupting the normal communication between cells of the neural network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg V Belov
- Laboratory of Radiation Biology, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, 6 Joliot-Curie St., 141980 Dubna, Moscow Region, Russia.
| | - Munkhbaatar Batmunkh
- Laboratory of Radiation Biology, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, 6 Joliot-Curie St., 141980 Dubna, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Sébastien Incerti
- Univ. Bordeaux, CENBG, UMR 5797, F-33170 Gradignan, France; CNRS, IN2P3, CENBG, UMR 5797, F-33170 Gradignan, France
| | - Oidov Lkhagva
- Natural Science Division, National University of Mongolia, 1 University St., 210646 Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
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13
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Kalichamy SS, Lee TY, Yoon KH, Lee JI. Hypergravity hinders axonal development of motor neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2666. [PMID: 27833821 PMCID: PMC5101602 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
As space flight becomes more accessible in the future, humans will be exposed to gravity conditions other than our 1G environment on Earth. Our bodies and physiology, however, are adapted for life at 1G gravity. Altering gravity can have profound effects on the body, particularly the development of muscles, but the reasons and biology behind gravity’s effect are not fully known. We asked whether increasing gravity had effects on the development of motor neurons that innervate and control muscle, a relatively unexplored area of gravity biology. Using the nematode model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, we examined changes in response to hypergravity in the development of the 19 GABAergic DD/VD motor neurons that innervate body muscle. We found that a high gravity force above 10G significantly increases the number of animals with defects in the development of axonal projections from the DD/VD neurons. We showed that a critical period of hypergravity exposure during the embryonic/early larval stage was sufficient to induce defects. While characterizing the nature of the axonal defects, we found that in normal 1G gravity conditions, DD/VD axonal defects occasionally occurred, with the majority of defects occurring on the dorsal side of the animal and in the mid-body region, and a significantly higher rate of error in the 13 VD axons than the 6 DD axons. Hypergravity exposure increased the rate of DD/VD axonal defects, but did not change the distribution or the characteristics of the defects. Our study demonstrates that altering gravity can impact motor neuron development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tong Young Lee
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University , Wonju , South Korea
| | - Kyoung-Hye Yoon
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University , Wonju , South Korea
| | - Jin Il Lee
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University , Wonju , South Korea
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14
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Mao XW, Nishiyama NC, Pecaut MJ, Campbell-Beachler M, Gifford P, Haynes KE, Becronis C, Gridley DS. Simulated Microgravity and Low-Dose/Low-Dose-Rate Radiation Induces Oxidative Damage in the Mouse Brain. Radiat Res 2016; 185:647-57. [DOI: 10.1667/rr14267.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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15
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Wang Y, Javed I, Liu Y, Lu S, Peng G, Zhang Y, Qing H, Deng Y. Effect of Prolonged Simulated Microgravity on Metabolic Proteins in Rat Hippocampus: Steps toward Safe Space Travel. J Proteome Res 2015; 15:29-37. [PMID: 26523826 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.5b00777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are not only the main source of energy in cells but also produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which result in oxidative stress when in space. This oxidative stress is responsible for energy imbalances and cellular damage. In this study, a rat tail suspension model was used in individual experiments for 7 and 21 days to explore the effect of simulated microgravity (SM) on metabolic proteins in the hippocampus, a vital brain region involved in learning, memory, and navigation. A comparative (18)O-labeled quantitative proteomic strategy was used to observe the differential expression of metabolic proteins. Forty-two and sixty-seven mitochondrial metabolic proteins were differentially expressed after 21 and 7 days of SM, respectively. Mitochondrial Complex I, III, and IV, isocitrate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase were down-regulated. Moreover, DJ-1 and peroxiredoxin 6, which defend against oxidative damage, were up-regulated in the hippocampus. Western blot analysis of proteins DJ-1 and COX 5A confirmed the mass spectrometry results. Despite these changes in mitochondrial protein expression, no obvious cell apoptosis was observed after 21 days of SM. The results of this study indicate that the oxidative stress induced by SM has profound effects on metabolic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology , No. 5 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing 100081, P.R. China
| | - Iqbal Javed
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology , No. 5 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing 100081, P.R. China
| | - Yahui Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology , No. 5 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing 100081, P.R. China
| | - Song Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology , No. 5 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing 100081, P.R. China
| | - Guang Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology , No. 5 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing 100081, P.R. China
| | - Yongqian Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology , No. 5 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing 100081, P.R. China
| | - Hong Qing
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology , No. 5 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing 100081, P.R. China
| | - Yulin Deng
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology , No. 5 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing 100081, P.R. China
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16
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Li K, Guo X, Jin Z, Ouyang X, Zeng Y, Feng J, Wang Y, Yao L, Ma L. Effect of Simulated Microgravity on Human Brain Gray Matter and White Matter--Evidence from MRI. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135835. [PMID: 26270525 PMCID: PMC4535759 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited and inconclusive evidence that space environment, especially microgravity condition, may affect microstructure of human brain. This experiment hypothesized that there would be modifications in gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) of the brain due to microgravity. METHOD Eighteen male volunteers were recruited and fourteen volunteers underwent -6° head-down bed rest (HDBR) for 30 days simulated microgravity. High-resolution brain anatomical imaging data and diffusion tensor imaging images were collected on a 3T MR system before and after HDBR. We applied voxel-based morphometry and tract-based spatial statistics analysis to investigate the structural changes in GM and WM of brain. RESULTS We observed significant decreases of GM volume in the bilateral frontal lobes, temporal poles, parahippocampal gyrus, insula and right hippocampus, and increases of GM volume in the vermis, bilateral paracentral lobule, right precuneus gyrus, left precentral gyrus and left postcentral gyrus after HDBR. Fractional anisotropy (FA) changes were also observed in multiple WM tracts. CONCLUSION These regions showing GM changes are closely associated with the functional domains of performance, locomotion, learning, memory and coordination. Regional WM alterations may be related to brain function decline and adaption. Our findings provide the neuroanatomical evidence of brain dysfunction or plasticity in microgravity condition and a deeper insight into the cerebral mechanisms in microgravity condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Li
- Department of Radiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Magnetic Resonance Center, 306 Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojuan Guo
- College of Information Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Jin
- Magnetic Resonance Center, 306 Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Ouyang
- College of Information Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yawei Zeng
- Magnetic Resonance Center, 306 Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Jinsheng Feng
- The Third Laboratory, China Astronaut Research and Training Centre, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Outpatient Department of 61599 Unit of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Li Yao
- College of Information Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Ma
- Department of Radiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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17
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Jamon M. The development of vestibular system and related functions in mammals: impact of gravity. Front Integr Neurosci 2014; 8:11. [PMID: 24570658 PMCID: PMC3916785 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2014.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This chapter reviews the knowledge about the adaptation to Earth gravity during the development of mammals. The impact of early exposure to altered gravity is evaluated at the level of the functions related to the vestibular system, including postural control, homeostatic regulation, and spatial memory. The hypothesis of critical periods in the adaptation to gravity is discussed. Demonstrating a critical period requires removing the gravity stimulus during delimited time windows, what is impossible to do on Earth surface. The surgical destruction of the vestibular apparatus, and the use of mice strains with defective graviceptors have provided useful information on the consequences of missing gravity perception, and the possible compensatory mechanisms, but transitory suppression of the stimulus can only be operated during spatial flight. The rare studies on rat pups housed on board of space shuttle significantly contributed to this problem, but the use of hypergravity environment, produced by means of chronic centrifugation, is the only available tool when repeated experiments must be carried out on Earth. Even though hypergravity is sometimes considered as a mirror situation to microgravity, the two situations cannot be confused because a gravitational force is still present. The theoretical considerations that validate the paradigm of hypergravity to evaluate critical periods are discussed. The question of adaption of graviceptor is questioned from an evolutionary point of view. It is possible that graviception is hardwired, because life on Earth has evolved under the constant pressure of gravity. The rapid acquisition of motor programming by precocial mammals in minutes after birth is consistent with this hypothesis, but the slow development of motor skills in altricial species and the plasticity of vestibular perception in adults suggest that gravity experience is required for the tuning of graviceptors. The possible reasons for this dichotomy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Jamon
- Faculté de Médecine de la Timone, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U 1106, Aix-Marseille University Marseille, France
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18
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Santucci D, Kawano F, Ohira T, Terada M, Nakai N, Francia N, Alleva E, Aloe L, Ochiai T, Cancedda R, Goto K, Ohira Y. Evaluation of gene, protein and neurotrophin expression in the brain of mice exposed to space environment for 91 days. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40112. [PMID: 22808101 PMCID: PMC3392276 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Effects of 3-month exposure to microgravity environment on the expression of genes and proteins in mouse brain were studied. Moreover, responses of neurobiological parameters, nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), were also evaluated in the cerebellum, hippocampus, cortex, and adrenal glands. Spaceflight-related changes in gene and protein expression were observed. Biological processes of the up-regulated genes were related to the immune response, metabolic process, and/or inflammatory response. Changes of cellular components involving in microsome and vesicular fraction were also noted. Molecular function categories were related to various enzyme activities. The biological processes in the down-regulated genes were related to various metabolic and catabolic processes. Cellular components were related to cytoplasm and mitochondrion. The down-regulated molecular functions were related to catalytic and oxidoreductase activities. Up-regulation of 28 proteins was seen following spaceflight vs. those in ground control. These proteins were related to mitochondrial metabolism, synthesis and hydrolysis of ATP, calcium/calmodulin metabolism, nervous system, and transport of proteins and/or amino acids. Down-regulated proteins were related to mitochondrial metabolism. Expression of NGF in hippocampus, cortex, and adrenal gland of wild type animal tended to decrease following spaceflight. As for pleiotrophin transgenic mice, spaceflight-related reduction of NGF occured only in adrenal gland. Consistent trends between various portions of brain and adrenal gland were not observed in the responses of BDNF to spaceflight. Although exposure to real microgravity influenced the expression of a number of genes and proteins in the brain that have been shown to be involved in a wide spectrum of biological function, it is still unclear how the functional properties of brain were influenced by 3-month exposure to microgravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Santucci
- Behavioural Neuroscience Section, Cellular Biology and Neuroscience Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Takashi Ohira
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Naoya Nakai
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Nadia Francia
- Behavioural Neuroscience Section, Cellular Biology and Neuroscience Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Alleva
- Behavioural Neuroscience Section, Cellular Biology and Neuroscience Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Aloe
- Institute of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, CNR, European Brain Research Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Katsumasa Goto
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyohashi SOZO University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Ohira
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Zhang Z, Sun QQ. The balance between excitation and inhibition and functional sensory processing in the somatosensory cortex. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2011; 97:305-33. [PMID: 21708316 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385198-7.00012-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The balance between excitation and inhibition (E/I balance) is tightly regulated in adult cortices to maintain proper nervous system function. Disturbed E/I balance is associated with numerous neuropsychological disorders, such as autism, epilepsy and schizophrenia. The present review will discuss aspects of Hebbian and homeostatic mechanisms regulating excitatory and inhibitory balance related to sensory processing in somatosensory cortex of rodents. Additionally, changes in the E/I balance during sensory manipulation will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Zhang
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
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20
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Marcuzzo S, Dutra MF, Stigger F, do Nascimento PS, Ilha J, Kalil-Gaspar PI, Achaval M. Different effects of anoxia and hind-limb immobilization on sensorimotor development and cell numbers in the somatosensory cortex in rats. Brain Dev 2010; 32:323-31. [PMID: 19467580 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2009.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2009] [Revised: 04/10/2009] [Accepted: 04/25/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of movement and posture disorders attributed to insults in the developing brain. In rats, CP-like motor deficits can be induced by early hind-limb sensorimotor restriction (SR; from postnatal days P2 to P28), associated or otherwise with perinatal anoxia (PA; on P0 and P1). In this study, we address the question of whether PA, early SR or a combination of both produces alterations to sensorimotor development. Developmental milestones (surface righting, cliff aversion, stability on an inclined surface, proprioceptive placing, auditory startle, eye opening) were assessed daily from P3 to P14. Motor skills (horizontal ladder and beam walking) were evaluated weekly (from P31 to P52). In addition, on P52, the thickness of the somatosensory (S1) and cerebellar cortices, and corpus callosum were measured, and the neuronal and glial cell numbers in S1 were counted. SR (with or without PA) significantly delayed the stability on an inclined surface and hastened the appearance of the placing reflex and impaired motor skills. No significant differences were found in the thickness measurements between the groups. Quantitative histology of S1 showed that PA, either alone or associated with SR, increased the number of glial cells, while SR alone reduced neuronal cell numbers. Finally, the combination of PA and SR increased the size of neuronal somata. We conclude that SR impairs the achievement of developmental milestones and motor skills. Moreover, both SR and PA induce histological alterations in the S1 cortex, which may contribute to sensorimotor deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Marcuzzo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, RS, Brazil
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21
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Frigeri A, Iacobas DA, Iacobas S, Nicchia GP, Desaphy JF, Camerino DC, Svelto M, Spray DC. Effect of microgravity on gene expression in mouse brain. Exp Brain Res 2008; 191:289-300. [PMID: 18704384 PMCID: PMC2651838 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-008-1523-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2008] [Accepted: 07/24/2008] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Changes in gravitational force such as that experienced by astronauts during space flight induce a redistribution of fluids from the caudad to the cephalad portion of the body together with an elimination of normal head-to-foot hydrostatic pressure gradients. To assess brain gene profile changes associated with microgravity and fluid shift, a large-scale analysis of mRNA expression levels was performed in the brains of 2-week control and hindlimb-unloaded (HU) mice using cDNA microarrays. Although to different extents, all functional categories displayed significantly regulated genes indicating that considerable transcriptomic alterations are induced by HU. Interestingly, the TIC class (transport of small molecules and ions into the cells) had the highest percentage of up-regulated genes, while the most down-regulated genes were those of the JAE class (cell junction, adhesion, extracellular matrix). TIC genes comprised 16% of those whose expression was altered, including sodium channel, nonvoltage-gated 1 beta (Scnn1b), glutamate receptor (Grin1), voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (Vdac1), calcium channel beta 3 subunit (Cacnb3) and others. The analysis performed by GeneMAPP revealed several altered protein classes and functional pathways such as blood coagulation and immune response, learning and memory, ion channels and cell junction. In particular, data indicate that HU causes an alteration in hemostasis which resolves in a shift toward a more hyper-coagulative state with an increased risk of venous thrombosis. Furthermore, HU treatment seems to impact on key steps of synaptic plasticity and learning processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Frigeri
- Department of General and Environmental Physiology, Centre of Excellence in Comparative Genomics (CEGBA), University of Bari, via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy, e-mail:
| | - Dumitru A. Iacobas
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1410 Pelham Pkwy S, Bronx, NY 10464, USA
| | - Sanda Iacobas
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1410 Pelham Pkwy S, Bronx, NY 10464, USA
| | - Grazia Paola Nicchia
- Department of General and Environmental Physiology, Centre of Excellence in Comparative Genomics (CEGBA), University of Bari, via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy, e-mail:
| | | | | | - Maria Svelto
- Department of General and Environmental Physiology, Centre of Excellence in Comparative Genomics (CEGBA), University of Bari, via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy, e-mail:
| | - David C. Spray
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1410 Pelham Pkwy S, Bronx, NY 10464, USA
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Yoo W, Lee K, Gwag T, Ju H, Yamashita M, Choi I. Seasonal proteomic plasticity in the brain of a mammalian hibernator. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.2187/bss.22.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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23
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Francia N, Simeoni M, Petruzzi S, Santucci D, Aloe L, Alleva E. Repeated acute exposures to hypergravity during early development subtly affect CD-1 mouse neurobehavioural profile. Brain Res Bull 2006; 69:560-72. [PMID: 16647584 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2006.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2005] [Revised: 02/14/2006] [Accepted: 02/27/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to altered gravitational environment, especially during critical ontogenetic phases, may induce persistent nervous system modifications and behavioural anomalies. This study evaluated the effects of hypergravity exposure on the development of the nervous system and assessed the relevance of parity in the mother's responses to altered gravitational stimuli. CD-1 mouse pups of both sexes delivered by primiparous and biparous dams were exposed to 1h of 2 G rotationally induced hypergravity from PND2 to PND9. Sensorimotor responses and somatic growth were daily measured (PND2-PND15), ultrasonic vocalisations recorded on PNDs 2, 5 and 9, and homing behaviour evaluated on PND12. In addition, spatial orientation ability was assessed in a T-maze on PND18, while mice exploratory behaviour and locomotor activity were evaluated in an open-field test (PND21). Long-term effects of hypergravity exposure on both spatial learning (Morris water-maze test) and brain levels of NGF and BDNF were also investigated at adulthood. Rotation per se induced a delay in somatic growth, sensorimotor responses and ultrasonic vocalisation profile, while hypergravity highlighted sex differences in open-field behaviour. Strategies to solve a spatial learning task, rather than learning per se, were affected by early exposure to rotation, while hypergravity selectively altered behavioural profile in the reversal phase of the test. Early exposure to rotation per se also decreased hypothalamic BDNF levels, while hypergravity reduced NGF levels in the frontal cortex. Previous maternal experience did not interact with hypergravity exposure, while differences between offspring of primiparous and biparous dams were observed in sensorimotor development and exploratory behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Francia
- Behavioural Neurosciences Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, I-00161 Roma, Italy
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24
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Abstract
Adaptation is a central precept of biology; it provides a framework for identifying functional significance. We equate mammalian development with adaptation, by viewing the developmental sequence as a series of adaptations to a stereotyped sequence of habitats. In this way development is adaptation. The Norway rat is used as a mammalian model, and the sequence of habitats that is used to define its adaptive-developmental sequence is (a) the uterus, (b) the mother's body, (c) the huddle, and (d) the coterie of pups as they gain independence. Then, within this framework and in relation to each of the habitats, we consider problems of organismal responses to altered gravitational forces (micro-g to hyper-g), especially those encountered during space flight and centrifugation. This approach enables a clearer identification of simple "effects" and active "responses" with respect to gravity. It focuses our attention on functional systems and brings to the fore the manner in which experience shapes somatic adaptation. We argue that this basic developmental approach is not only central to basic issues in gravitational biology, but that it provides a natural tool for understanding the underlying processes that are vital to astronaut health and well-being during long duration flights that will involve adaptation to space flight conditions and eventual re-adaptation to Earth's gravity.
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25
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Dharani NE. The role of vestibular system and the cerebellum in adapting to gravitoinertial, spatial orientation and postural challenges of REM sleep. Med Hypotheses 2005; 65:83-9. [PMID: 15893123 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2005.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2004] [Accepted: 01/27/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The underlying reasons for, and mechanisms of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep events remain a mystery. The mystery has arisen from interpreting REM sleep events as occurring in 'isolation' from the world at large, and phylogenetically ancient brain areas using 'primal' gravity-dependent coordinates, reflexes and stimuli parameters to relay and process information about self and environment. This paper views REM sleep as a phylogenetically older form of wakefulness, wherein the brain uses a gravitoinertial-centred reference frame and an internal self-object model to evaluate and integrate inputs from several sensory systems and to adapt to spatial-temporal disintegration and malignant cholinergic-induced vasodepressor/ventilatory threat. The integration of vestibular and non-vestibular sensory graviceptor signals enables estimation and control of centre of the body mass, position and spatial relationship of body parts, gaze, head and whole-body tilt, spatial orientation and autonomic functions relative to gravity. The vestibulocerebellum and vermis, via vestibular and fastigial nucleus, coordinate inputs and outputs from several sensory systems and modulate the amplitude and duration of 'fight-or-flight' vestibulo-orienting and autonomic 'burst' responses to overcome the ongoing challenges. Resolving multisystem conflicts during the unique stresses (gravitoinertial, hypoxic, thermal, immobilisation, etc.) of REM sleep enables learning, cross-modal plasticity, higher-order integration and multidimensional spatial updating of sensory-motor-cognitive components. This paper aims to generate discussion, reinterpretation and creative testing of this novel hypothesis, which, if experimentally confirmed, has major implications across medicine, bioscience and space physiology, from developmental, clinical, research and theoretical perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataraj E Dharani
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, 309 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.
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26
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Walton KD, Harding S, Anschel D, Harris YT, Llinás R. The effects of microgravity on the development of surface righting in rats. J Physiol 2005; 565:593-608. [PMID: 15774538 PMCID: PMC1464515 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2004.074385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 09/22/2004] [Accepted: 03/14/2005] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The active interaction of neonatal animals with their environment has been shown to be a decisive factor in the postnatal development of sensory systems, which demonstrates a critical period in their maturation. The direct demonstration of such a dependence on the rearing environment has not been demonstrated for motor system function. Nor has the role of gravity in mammalian motor system development been investigated. Here we report the results of two space flight missions examining the effect of removing gravity on the development of surface righting. Since the essential stimulus that drives this synergy, gravitation, was missing, righting did not occur while the animals were in the microgravity environment. We hypothesize that this absence of contextual motor experience arrested the maturation of the motor tactics for surface righting. Such effects were permanent in rats spending 16 days (from postnatal day (P), P14 to P30), but were transient in animals spending nine days (from P15 to P24) in microgravity. Thus, active, contextual interaction with the environment during a critical period of development is necessary for the postnatal maturation of motor tactics as exemplified by surface righting, and such events must occur within a particular time period. Further, Earth's gravitational field is not assumed by the developing motor system. Rather, postnatal motor system development is appropriate to the gravitational field in which the animal is reared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry D Walton
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, NYU School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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27
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Azcoitia I, Perez-Martin M, Salazar V, Castillo C, Ariznavarreta C, Garcia-Segura LM, Tresguerres JAF. Growth hormone prevents neuronal loss in the aged rat hippocampus. Neurobiol Aging 2005; 26:697-703. [PMID: 15708445 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2004.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2003] [Revised: 06/02/2004] [Accepted: 06/03/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Decline of growth hormone (GH) with aging is associated to memory and cognitive alterations. In this study, the number of neurons in the hilus of the dentate gyrus has been assessed in male and female Wistar rats at 3, 6, 12, 14, 18, 22 and 24 months of age, using the optical fractionator method. Male rats had more neurons than females at all the ages studied. Significant neuronal loss was observed in both sexes between 22 and 24 months of age. In a second experiment, 22 month-old male and female rats were treated for 10 weeks with 2 mg/kg/day of GH or saline. At 24 months of age, animals treated with GH had more neurons in the hilus than animals treated with saline. These findings indicate that GH is neuroprotective in old animals and that its administration may ameliorate neuronal alterations associated to aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Azcoitia
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense, E-28040 Madrid, Spain.
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28
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Walton KD, Benavides L, Singh N, Hatoum N. Long-term effects of microgravity on the swimming behaviour of young rats. J Physiol 2005; 565:609-26. [PMID: 15760948 PMCID: PMC1464537 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2004.074393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The postnatal development of sensory systems has been shown in studies over the last four decades to be influenced by experience during critical periods of development. We report here that similar experience-dependent development can be observed in the swimming behaviour of young rats reared from postnatal day 14 (P14) to P30 in the reduced gravitational field of low earth orbit. Animals flown in space when placed in the water on the day of landing maintained their head and forelimbs in a balanced posture. However, until the animals began to swim, their hindquarters showed little lateral postural control resulting in rotation about the longitudinal axis (60 degrees+/-4 deg). Such results suggest an 'unlinking' of postural control of the forequarters from the hindquarters in the early hours after landing. Similar instability seen in animals age-matched to the day of launch (97+/-7 deg) and in ground control animals (9+/-3 deg) was corrected within one or two rotations, even in the absence of swimming. Animals flown in space began to swim sooner after being placed in the water, and the duration of swimming strokes was shorter than in control animals. Motion analysis revealed a difference in the swimming style on landing day. In flight animals, the knee joint was more flexed throughout the stroke, there was a narrower range of movement, and the linear velocity of the tip of the foot was faster throughout most of the stroke than in age-matched control animals. Thus, posture in the water as well as swimming speed and style were altered in the animals flown in space. Some of these characteristics persisted for as long as the animals were followed (30 days). These included the short pre-swimming interval and short stroke duration in flight animals. These findings clearly show that an altered gravitational field influences the postnatal development of motor function. The nature of the differences between animals reared in space for 16 days and those remaining on the ground reflects an adaptation of the flight animals to the microgravity environment. The data suggest that the most fundamental of these adaptations is a resetting of the basic motor rhythm to a higher frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry D Walton
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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29
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Francia N, Santucci D, Aloe L, Alleva E. Neurobehavioral coping to altered gravity: endogenous responses of neurotrophins. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2004; 146:185-94. [PMID: 14699965 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(03)46013-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
An altered gravitational environment represents a unique challenge for biological systems that have evolved against gravitational background. Ground-based and space research indicates that the developing nervous system is potentially affected by exposure to hyper/microgravity. With the construction of the orbiting International Space Station long-term research on the nervous system will be possible. With this perspective, we started ground-based studies to characterize mouse behavioral responses to rotation-induced 2 g hypergravity, using a custom-made centrifuge device. Brain levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as well as NGF and BDNF expression and mast cell distribution in heart and lung, were evaluated and correlated with the changes in mouse behavior upon hypergravity exposure. Hypergravity strongly affected the spontaneous activity of the animals, selectively modifying mouse behavioral repertoire. Such changes were mainly related to variations in brain levels of NGF, while BDNF was slightly affected, thus confirming a role for these neurotrophins in neuronal plasticity underlying experience-induced neurobehavioral changes. Moreover, gender differences were observed in both behavioral and neurobiological responses to hypergravity. These results indicate that changes in the gravitational environment might represent a useful tool to investigate the neurobiological and behavioral responses to stressors and may provide insights into the mechanisms underlying development and plasticity of nervous system in brain, heart, and lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Francia
- Behavioral Pathophysiology Section, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
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30
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Abstract
Life on Earth, and thus the reproductive and ontogenetic processes of all extant species and their ancestors, evolved under the constant influence of the Earth's l g gravitational field. These considerations raise important questions about the ability of mammals to reproduce and develop in space. In this chapter, I review the current state of our knowledge of spaceflight effects on developing mammals. Recent studies are revealing the first insights into how the space environment affects critical phases of mammalian reproduction and development, viz., those events surrounding fertilization, embryogenesis, pregnancy, birth, postnatal maturation and parental care. This review emphasizes fetal and early postnatal life, the developmental epochs for which the greatest amounts of mammalian spaceflight data have been amassed. The maternal-offspring system, the coordinated aggregate of mother and young comprising mammalian development, is of primary importance during these early, formative developmental phases. The existing research supports the view that biologically meaningful interactions between mothers and offspring are changed in the weightlessness of space. These changes may, in turn, cloud interpretations of spaceflight effects on developing offspring. Whereas studies of mid-pregnant rats in space have been extraordinarily successful, studies of young rat litters launched at 9 days of postnatal age or earlier, have been encumbered with problems related to the design of in-flight caging and compromised maternal-offspring interactions. Possibilities for mammalian birth in space, an event that has not yet transpired, are considered. In the aggregate, the results indicate a strong need for new studies of mammalian reproduction and development in space. Habitat development and systematic ground-based testing are important prerequisites to future research with young postnatal rodents in space. Together, the findings support the view that the environment within which young mammals develop, comprised of its mother and siblings, is of paramount importance in interpreting spaceflight effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- April E Ronca
- Life Sciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
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