1
|
Hariom SK, Nelson EJR. Cardiovascular adaptations in microgravity conditions. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 42:64-71. [PMID: 39067992 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2024.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Gravity has had a significant impact on the evolution of life on Earth with organisms developing necessary biological adaptations over billions of years to counter this ever-existing force. There has been an exponential increase in experiments using real and simulated gravity environments in the recent years. Although an understanding followed by discovery of counter measures to negate diminished gravity in space had been the driving force of research initially, there has since been a phenomenal leap wherein a force unearthly as microgravity is beginning to show promising potential. The current review summarizes pathophysiological changes that occur in multiple aspects of the cardiovascular system when exposed to an altered gravity environment leading to cardiovascular deconditioning and orthostatic intolerance. Gravity influences not just the complex multicellular systems but even the survival of organisms at the molecular level by intervening fundamental cellular processes, directly affecting those linked to actin and microtubule organization via mechano-transduction pathways. The reach of gravity ranges from cytoskeletal rearrangement that regulates cell adhesion and migration to intracellular dynamics that dictate cell fate commitment and differentiation. An understanding that microgravity itself is not present on Earth propels the scope of simulated gravity conditions to be a unique and useful environment that could be explored for enhancing the potential of stem cells for a wide range of applications as has been highlighted here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Senthil Kumar Hariom
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632 014, TN, India
| | - Everette Jacob Remington Nelson
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632 014, TN, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Caddy HT, Kelsey LJ, Parker LP, Green DJ, Doyle BJ. Modelling large scale artery haemodynamics from the heart to the eye in response to simulated microgravity. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:7. [PMID: 38218868 PMCID: PMC10787773 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00348-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
We investigated variations in haemodynamics in response to simulated microgravity across a semi-subject-specific three-dimensional (3D) continuous arterial network connecting the heart to the eye using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Using this model we simulated pulsatile blood flow in an upright Earth gravity case and a simulated microgravity case. Under simulated microgravity, regional time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) increased and oscillatory shear index (OSI) decreased in upper body arteries, whilst the opposite was observed in the lower body. Between cases, uniform changes in TAWSS and OSI were found in the retina across diameters. This work demonstrates that 3D CFD simulations can be performed across continuously connected networks of small and large arteries. Simulated results exhibited similarities to low dimensional spaceflight simulations and measured data-specifically that blood flow and shear stress decrease towards the lower limbs and increase towards the cerebrovasculature and eyes in response to simulated microgravity, relative to an upright position in Earth gravity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harrison T Caddy
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Sciences), The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Lachlan J Kelsey
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Louis P Parker
- FLOW, Department of Engineering Mechanics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniel J Green
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Sciences), The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Barry J Doyle
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
- School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ludtka C, Allen JB. The Effects of Simulated and Real Microgravity on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. GRAVITATIONAL AND SPACE RESEARCH : PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR GRAVITATIONAL AND SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 12:46-59. [PMID: 38846256 PMCID: PMC11156189 DOI: 10.2478/gsr-2024-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
As considerations are being made for the limitations and safety of long-term human spaceflight, the vasculature is important given its connection to and impact on numerous organ systems. As a major constituent of blood vessels, vascular smooth muscle cells are of interest due to their influence over vascular tone and function. Additionally, vascular smooth muscle cells are responsive to pressure and flow changes. Therefore, alterations in these parameters under conditions of microgravity can be functionally disruptive. As such, here we review and discuss the existing literature that assesses the effects of microgravity, both actual and simulated, on smooth muscle cells. This includes the various methods for achieving or simulating microgravity, the animal models or cells used, and the various durations of microgravity assessed. We also discuss the various reported findings in the field, which include changes to cell proliferation, gene expression and phenotypic shifts, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and Ca2+ signaling. Additionally, we briefly summarize the literature on smooth muscle tissue engineering in microgravity as well as considerations of radiation as another key component of spaceflight to contextualize spaceflight experiments, which by their nature include radiation exposure. Finally, we provide general recommendations based on the existing literature's focus and limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Ludtka
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Josephine B. Allen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Andrade MR, Azeez TA, Montgomery MM, Caldwell JT, Park H, Kwok AT, Borg AM, Narayanan SA, Willey JS, Delp MD, La Favor JD. Neurovascular dysfunction associated with erectile dysfunction persists after long-term recovery from simulations of weightlessness and deep space irradiation. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23246. [PMID: 37990646 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300506rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
There has been growing interest within the space industry for long-duration manned expeditions to the Moon and Mars. During deep space missions, astronauts are exposed to high levels of galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) and microgravity which are associated with increased risk of oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction are causative factors in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction, although the effects of spaceflight on erectile function have been unexplored. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of simulated spaceflight and long-term recovery on tissues critical for erectile function, the distal internal pudendal artery (dIPA), and the corpus cavernosum (CC). Eighty-six adult male Fisher-344 rats were randomized into six groups and exposed to 4-weeks of hindlimb unloading (HLU) or weight-bearing control, and sham (0Gy), 0.75 Gy, or 1.5 Gy of simulated GCR at the ground-based GCR simulator at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory. Following a 12-13-month recovery, ex vivo physiological analysis of the dIPA and CC tissue segments revealed differential impacts of HLU and GCR on endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation that was tissue type specific. GCR impaired non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) nerve-mediated relaxation in the dIPA and CC, while follow-up experiments of the CC showed restoration of NANC-mediated relaxation of GCR tissues following acute incubation with the antioxidants mito-TEMPO and TEMPOL, as well as inhibitors of xanthine oxidase and arginase. These findings indicate that simulated spaceflight exerts a long-term impairment of neurovascular erectile function, which exposes a new health risk to consider with deep space exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuella R Andrade
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Tooyib A Azeez
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - McLane M Montgomery
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Jacob T Caldwell
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Hyerim Park
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Andy T Kwok
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alexander M Borg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - S Anand Narayanan
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Willey
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael D Delp
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Justin D La Favor
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liang Y, Wang M, Liu Y, Wang C, Takahashi K, Naruse K. Meta-Analysis-Assisted Detection of Gravity-Sensitive Genes in Human Vascular Endothelial Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:689662. [PMID: 34422812 PMCID: PMC8371407 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.689662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gravity affects the function and maintenance of organs, such as bones, muscles, and the heart. Several studies have used DNA microarrays to identify genes with altered expressions in response to gravity. However, it is technically challenging to combine the results from various microarray datasets because of their different data structures. We hypothesized that it is possible to identify common changes in gene expression from the DNA microarray datasets obtained under various conditions and methods. In this study, we grouped homologous genes to perform a meta-analysis of multiple vascular endothelial cell and skeletal muscle datasets. According to the t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) analysis, the changes in the gene expression pattern in vascular endothelial cells formed specific clusters. We also identified candidate genes in endothelial cells that responded to gravity. Further, we exposed human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to simulated microgravity (SMG) using a clinostat and measured the expression levels of the candidate genes. Gene expression analysis using qRT-PCR revealed that the expression level of the prostaglandin (PG) transporter gene SLCO2A1 decreased in response to microgravity, consistent with the meta-analysis of microarray datasets. Furthermore, the direction of gravity affected the expression level of SLCO2A1, buttressing the finding that its expression was affected by gravity. These results suggest that a meta-analysis of DNA microarray datasets may help identify new target genes previously overlooked in individual microarray analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yin Liang
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Mengxue Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Ken Takahashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Keiji Naruse
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kumar A, Tahimic CGT, Almeida EAC, Globus RK. Spaceflight Modulates the Expression of Key Oxidative Stress and Cell Cycle Related Genes in Heart. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9088. [PMID: 34445793 PMCID: PMC8396460 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight causes cardiovascular changes due to microgravity-induced redistribution of body fluids and musculoskeletal unloading. Cardiac deconditioning and atrophy on Earth are associated with altered Trp53 and oxidative stress-related pathways, but the effects of spaceflight on cardiac changes at the molecular level are less understood. We tested the hypothesis that spaceflight alters the expression of key genes related to stress response pathways, which may contribute to cardiovascular deconditioning during extended spaceflight. Mice were exposed to spaceflight for 15 days or maintained on Earth (ground control). Ventricle tissue was harvested starting ~3 h post-landing. We measured expression of select genes implicated in oxidative stress pathways and Trp53 signaling by quantitative PCR. Cardiac expression levels of 37 of 168 genes tested were altered after spaceflight. Spaceflight downregulated transcription factor, Nfe2l2 (Nrf2), upregulated Nox1 and downregulated Ptgs2, suggesting a persistent increase in oxidative stress-related target genes. Spaceflight also substantially upregulated Cdkn1a (p21) and cell cycle/apoptosis-related gene Myc, and downregulated the inflammatory response gene Tnf. There were no changes in apoptosis-related genes such as Trp53. Spaceflight altered the expression of genes regulating redox balance, cell cycle and senescence in cardiac tissue of mice. Thus, spaceflight may contribute to cardiac dysfunction due to oxidative stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akhilesh Kumar
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Mail Stop 288-2, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; (A.K.); (E.A.C.A.)
| | | | - Eduardo A. C. Almeida
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Mail Stop 288-2, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; (A.K.); (E.A.C.A.)
| | - Ruth K. Globus
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Mail Stop 288-2, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; (A.K.); (E.A.C.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mikheeva I, Mikhailova G, Shtanchaev R, Arkhipov V, Pavlik L. Influence of a 30-day spaceflight on the structure of motoneurons of the trochlear nerve nucleus in mice. Brain Res 2021; 1758:147331. [PMID: 33539796 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
During spaceflight and immediately after it, adaptive neuroplastic changes occur in the sensorimotor structures of the central nervous system, which are associated with changes of mainly vestibular and visual signals. It is known that the movement of the eyeball in the vertical direction is carried out by muscles that are innervated by the trochlear nerve (CN IV) and the oculomotor nerve (CN III). To elucidate the cellular processes underlying the atypical vertical nystagmus that occurs under microgravity conditions, it seems necessary to study the state of these nuclei in animals in more detail after prolonged space flights. We carried out a qualitative and quantitative light-optical and ultrastructural analysis of the nuclei of the trochlear nerve in mice after a 30-day flight on the Bion-M1 biosatellite. As a result, it was shown that the dendrites of motoneurons in the nucleus of the trochlear nerve significantly reorganized their geometry and orientation under microgravity conditions. The number of dendritic branches was increased, possibly in order to amplify the reduced signal flow. To ensure such plastic changes, the number and size of mitochondria in the soma of motoneurons and in axons coming from the vestibular structures increased. Thus, the main role in the adaptation of the trochlear nucleus to microgravity conditions, apparently, belongs to the dendrites of motoneurons, which rearrange their structure and function to enhance the flow of sensory information. These results complement our knowledge of the causes of atypical nystagmus in microgravity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina Mikheeva
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia.
| | - Gulnara Mikhailova
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
| | - Rashid Shtanchaev
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
| | - Vladimir Arkhipov
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia; State Natural Science Institute, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
| | - Lyubov Pavlik
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia; State Natural Science Institute, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nrf2 contributes to the weight gain of mice during space travel. Commun Biol 2020; 3:496. [PMID: 32901092 PMCID: PMC7479603 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01227-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Space flight produces an extreme environment with unique stressors, but little is known about how our body responds to these stresses. While there are many intractable limitations for in-flight space research, some can be overcome by utilizing gene knockout-disease model mice. Here, we report how deletion of Nrf2, a master regulator of stress defense pathways, affects the health of mice transported for a stay in the International Space Station (ISS). After 31 days in the ISS, all flight mice returned safely to Earth. Transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed that the stresses of space travel evoked ageing-like changes of plasma metabolites and activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Especially, Nrf2 was found to be important for maintaining homeostasis of white adipose tissues. This study opens approaches for future space research utilizing murine gene knockout-disease models, and provides insights into mitigating space-induced stresses that limit the further exploration of space by humans. Using Nrf2 knockout mice, Suzuki, Uruno, Yumoto et al. show that space travel activates Nrf2 signaling, which contributes to the weight gain of mice by regulating fat metabolism of white adipose tissues. This study provides insights into potential interventions to mitigate stresses that accompany space travels.
Collapse
|
9
|
Navasiolava N, Yuan M, Murphy R, Robin A, Coupé M, Wang L, Alameddine A, Gauquelin-Koch G, Gharib C, Li Y, Custaud MA. Vascular and Microvascular Dysfunction Induced by Microgravity and Its Analogs in Humans: Mechanisms and Countermeasures. Front Physiol 2020; 11:952. [PMID: 32973543 PMCID: PMC7468431 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Weightlessness and physical inactivity have deleterious cardiovascular effects. The space environment and its ground-based models offer conditions to study the cardiovascular effects of physical inactivity in the absence of other vascular risk factors, particularly at the macro- and microcirculatory levels. However, the mechanisms involved in vascular dysfunction and remodeling are not sufficiently studied in the context of weightlessness and its analogs including models of physical inactivity. Here, we summarize vascular and microvascular changes induced by space flight and observed in models of microgravity and physical inactivity and review the effects of prophylactic strategies (i.e., countermeasures) on vascular and microvascular function. We discuss physical (e.g., exercise, vibration, lower body negative pressure, and artificial gravity) and nutritional/pharmacological (e.g., caloric restriction, resveratrol, and other vegetal extracts) countermeasures. Currently, exercise countermeasure appears to be the most effective to protect vascular function. Although pharmacological countermeasures are not currently considered to fight vascular changes due to microgravity, nutritional countermeasures are very promising. Dietary supplements/natural health products, especially plant extracts, should be extensively studied. The best prophylactic strategy is likely a combination of countermeasures that are effective not only at the cardiovascular level but also for the organism as a whole, but this strategy remains to be determined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ming Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center (ACC), Beijing, China
| | - Ronan Murphy
- School of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Science & Health, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Adrien Robin
- Clinical Research Center, CHU d'Angers, Angers, France.,Mitovasc, UMR INSERM 1083-CNRS 6015, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Mickael Coupé
- Mitovasc, UMR INSERM 1083-CNRS 6015, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Linjie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center (ACC), Beijing, China
| | - Asmaa Alameddine
- Mitovasc, UMR INSERM 1083-CNRS 6015, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | | | - Claude Gharib
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, Faculté de Médecine Lyon-Est, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Yinghui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center (ACC), Beijing, China
| | - Marc-Antoine Custaud
- Clinical Research Center, CHU d'Angers, Angers, France.,Mitovasc, UMR INSERM 1083-CNRS 6015, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Su YT, Cheng YP, Zhang X, Xie XP, Chang YM, Bao JX. Acid sphingomyelinase/ceramide mediates structural remodeling of cerebral artery and small mesenteric artery in simulated weightless rats. Life Sci 2020; 243:117253. [PMID: 31927048 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Weightlessness exposure conduces to substantial vascular remodeling, mechanisms behind which remain unclear. Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) catalyzed ceramide (Cer) generation accounts for multiple vascular disorders, so the role of it in adjustment of cerebral artery (CA) and small mesenteric artery (MA) was investigated in simulated weightless rats. MAIN METHODS Rats were hindlimb unloaded tail suspended (HU) to simulate the effect of weightlessness. Arterial morphology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Cer abundance was measured by immunohistochemistry. Western blotting was used to detect protein content. Apoptosis was detected by transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling. KEY FINDINGS During 4 weeks of tail suspension, intima-media thickness (IMT) and media cross section area (CSA) were increased gradually in CA but decreased gradually in MA (P < 0.05). Correspondingly, the apoptosis and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells were reduced and enhanced respectively in CA (P < 0.05), while promoted and restrained in MA (P < 0.05). As compared to control, both ASM protein expression and Cer content were lowered in CA and elevated in MA of HU rats (P < 0.05). Permeable Cer incubation reversed the change of apoptosis and proliferation in CA of HU rats, while ASM inhibition recapitulated it in control rats. On the contrary, ASM inhibitors restored the alteration of apoptosis and proliferation in MA of HU. SIGNIFICANCE The results suggest that by controlling the balance between apoptosis and proliferation, ASM/Cer exerts an important role in structural adaptation of CA and MA to simulated weightlessness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Su
- Department of Aerospace Hygiene, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Yao-Ping Cheng
- Department of Aerospace Hygiene, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Aerospace Hygiene, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Xiao-Ping Xie
- Department of Aerospace Hygiene, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Yao-Ming Chang
- Department of Aerospace Hygiene, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China.
| | - Jun-Xiang Bao
- Department of Aerospace Hygiene, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wu Y, Yue Z, Wang Q, Lv Q, Liu H, Bai Y, Li S, Xie M, Bao J, Ma J, Zhu X, Wang Z. BK Ca compensates impaired coronary vasoreactivity through RhoA/ROCK pathway in hind-limb unweighted rats. FASEB J 2019; 33:13358-13366. [PMID: 31530101 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901273r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated cardiac and vascular remodeling induced by microgravity exposure. Yet, as the most important branch of vasculatures circulating the heart, the coronary artery has been seldomly studied about its adaptations under microgravity conditions. Large-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channel (BKCa) and the Ras homolog family member A (RhoA)/Rho kinase (ROCK) pathway play key roles in control of vascular tone and mediation of microgravity-induced vascular adjustments. Therefore, we investigated the adaptation of coronary vasoreactivity to simulated microgravity and the role of BKCa and the RhoA/ROCK pathway in it. Four-week-old hind-limb unweighted (HU) rats were adopted to simulate effects of microgravity. Right coronary artery (RCA) constriction was measured by isometric force recording. The activity and expression of BKCa and the RhoA/ROCK pathway were examined by Western blot, patch-clamp recordings, and immunoprecipitation. We found HU significantly decreased RCA vasoconstriction to KCl, serotonin, and U-46619, but increased protein expression and current densities of BKCa, inhibition of which by iberiotoxin (IBTX) further decreased RCA vasoconstriction (P < 0.05). Expression of RhoA and ROCK as well as active RhoA and phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC) at Ser19 and MLC phosphatase target-1 at Thr696 were significantly increased by HU, and ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 exerted greater suppressing effect on HU RCA vasoconstriction than that of control (P < 0.05). BKCa opener NS1619 increased HU RCA vasoconstriction, which was blocked by both RhoA and ROCK inhibitor, similar to the effect of IBTX. These results indicate that HU impairs coronary vasoconstriction but enhances BKCa activity acting as a protective mechanism avoiding excessive decrease of coronary vasoreactivity through activation of the RhoA/ROCK pathway.-Wu, Y., Yue, Z., Wang, Q., Lv, Q., Liu, H., Bai, Y., Li, S., Xie, M., Bao, J., Ma, J., Zhu, X., Wang, Z. BKCa compensates impaired coronary vasoreactivity through RhoA/ROCK pathway in hind-limb unweighted rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wu
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China.,Department of Medical Administration, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhijie Yue
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of The Bethune Medical Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) School, Army Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Qiguang Wang
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Qiang Lv
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yungang Bai
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shaohua Li
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Manjiang Xie
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Junxiang Bao
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jin Ma
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xianyang Zhu
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhongchao Wang
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China.,Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Andreev-Andrievskiy AA, Popova AS, Lagereva EA, Vinogradova OL. Fluid shift versus body size: changes of hematological parameters and body fluid volume in hindlimb-unloaded mice, rats and rabbits. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:jeb.182832. [PMID: 29950449 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.182832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The cardiovascular system is adapted to gravity, and reactions to the loss of gravity in space are presumably dependent on body size. The dependence of hematological parameters and body fluid volume on simulated microgravity have never been studied as an allometric function before. Thus, we estimated red blood cell (RBC), blood and extracellular fluid volume in hindlimb-unloaded (HLU) or control (attached) mice, rats and rabbits. RBC decrease was found to be size independent, and the allometric dependency for RBC loss in HLU and control animals shared a common power (-0.054±0.008) but a different Y0 coefficient (8.66±0.40 and 10.73±0.49, respectively, P<0.05). Blood volume in HLU animals was unchanged compared with that of controls, disregarding body size. The allometric dependency of interstitial fluid volume in HLU and control mice shared Y0 (1.02±0.09) but had different powers N (0.708±0.017 and 0.648±0.016, respectively, P<0.05), indicating that the interstitial fluid volume increase during hindlimb unloading is more pronounced in larger animals. Our data underscore the importance of size-independent mechanisms of cardiovascular adaptation to weightlessness. Despite the fact that the use of mice hampers application of a straightforward translational approach, this species is useful for gravitational biology as a tool to investigate size-independent mechanisms of mammalian adaptation to microgravity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A Andreev-Andrievskiy
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 123007, Russia .,M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Biology Faculty, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Anfisa S Popova
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 123007, Russia.,M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Biology Faculty, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Evgeniia A Lagereva
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 123007, Russia
| | - Olga L Vinogradova
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 123007, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Responses to spaceflight of mouse mandibular bone and teeth. Arch Oral Biol 2018; 93:163-176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
14
|
Jiang M, Lyu Q, Bai YG, Liu H, Yang J, Cheng JH, Zheng M, Ma J. Focal adhesions are involved in simulated-microgravity-induced basilar and femoral arterial remodelling in rats. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2018. [PMID: 29527943 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2017-0665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that microgravity-induced arterial remodelling contributes to post-flight orthostatic intolerance and that multiple mechanisms are involved in arterial remodelling. However, the initial mechanism by which haemodynamic changes induce arterial remodelling is unknown. Focal adhesions (FAs) are dynamic protein complexes that have mechanotransduction properties. This study aimed to investigate the role of FAs in simulated-microgravity-induced basilar and femoral arterial remodelling. A 4-week hindlimb-unweighted (HU) rat model was used to simulate the effects of microgravity, and daily 1-hour intermittent artificial gravity (IAG) was used to prevent arterial remodelling. After 4-week HU, wall thickness, volume of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and collagen content were increased in basilar artery but decreased in femoral artery (P < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of p-FAK Y397 and p-Src Y418 was increased and reduced in SMCs of basilar and femoral arteries, respectively, by HU (P < 0.05). The number of FAs was increased in basilar artery and reduced in femoral artery by HU (P < 0.05). Furthermore, daily 1-hour IAG prevented HU-induced differential structural adaptations and changes in FAs of basilar and femoral arteries. These results suggest that FAs may act as mechanosensors in arterial remodelling by initiating intracellular signal transduction in response to altered mechanical stress induced by microgravity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Jiang
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.,Department of Aerospace Physiology, Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qiang Lyu
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.,Department of Aerospace Physiology, Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yun-Gang Bai
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.,Department of Aerospace Physiology, Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.,Department of Aerospace Physiology, Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.,Department of Aerospace Physiology, Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jiu-Hua Cheng
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.,Department of Aerospace Physiology, Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ming Zheng
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.,Department of Aerospace Physiology, Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jin Ma
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.,Department of Aerospace Physiology, Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Development of new experimental platform 'MARS'-Multiple Artificial-gravity Research System-to elucidate the impacts of micro/partial gravity on mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10837. [PMID: 28883615 PMCID: PMC5589811 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10998-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency project focused on elucidating the impacts of partial gravity (partial g) and microgravity (μg) on mice using newly developed mouse habitat cage units (HCU) that can be installed in the Centrifuge-equipped Biological Experiment Facility in the International Space Station. In the first mission, 12 C57BL/6 J male mice were housed under μg or artificial earth-gravity (1 g). Mouse activity was monitored daily via downlinked videos; μg mice floated inside the HCU, whereas artificial 1 g mice were on their feet on the floor. After 35 days of habitation, all mice were returned to the Earth and processed. Significant decreases were evident in femur bone density and the soleus/gastrocnemius muscle weights of μg mice, whereas artificial 1 g mice maintained the same bone density and muscle weight as mice in the ground control experiment, in which housing conditions in the flight experiment were replicated. These data indicate that these changes were particularly because of gravity. They also present the first evidence that the addition of gravity can prevent decreases in bone density and muscle mass, and that the new platform ‘MARS’ may provide novel insights on the molecular-mechanisms regulating biological processes controlled by partial g/μg.
Collapse
|
16
|
Andreev-Andrievskiy A, Popova A, Lloret JC, Aubry P, Borovik A, Tsvirkun D, Vinogradova O, Ilyin E, Gauquelin-Koch G, Gharib C, Custaud MA. BION-M 1: First continuous blood pressure monitoring in mice during a 30-day spaceflight. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2017; 13:19-26. [PMID: 28554506 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Animals are an essential component of space exploration and have been used to demonstrate that weightlessness does not disrupt essential physiological functions. They can also contribute to space research as models of weightlessness-induced changes in humans. Animal research was an integral component of the 30-day automated Russian biosatellite Bion-M 1 space mission. The aim of the hemodynamic experiment was to estimate cardiovascular function in mice, a species roughly 3000 times smaller than humans, during prolonged spaceflight and post-flight recovery, particularly, to investigate if mice display signs of cardiovascular deconditioning. For the first time, heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were continuously monitored using implantable telemetry during spaceflight and recovery. Decreased HR and unchanged BP were observed during launch, whereas both HR and BP dropped dramatically during descent. During spaceflight, BP did not change from pre-flight values. However, HR increased, particularly during periods of activity. HR remained elevated after spaceflight and was accompanied by increased levels of exercise-induced tachycardia. Loss of three of the five mice during the flight as a result of the hardware malfunction (unrelated to the telemetry system) and thus the limited sample number constitute the major limitation of the study. For the first time BP and HR were continuously monitored in mice during the 30-day spaceflight and 7-days of post-flight recovery. Cardiovascular deconditioning in these tiny quadruped mammals was reminiscent of that in humans. Therefore, the loss of hydrostatic pressure in space, which is thought to be the initiating event for human cardiovascular adaptation in microgravity, might be of less importance than other physiological mechanisms. Further experiments with larger number of mice are needed to confirm these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Andreev-Andrievskiy
- SSC RF Institute for Biomedical Problems RAS, 76A Khoroshevskoe sh., 123007, Moscow, Russia; Lomonosov Moscow State University, Biology Faculty, 1-12, Leninskie Gory, 119234, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Anfisa Popova
- SSC RF Institute for Biomedical Problems RAS, 76A Khoroshevskoe sh., 123007, Moscow, Russia; Lomonosov Moscow State University, Biology Faculty, 1-12, Leninskie Gory, 119234, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Patrick Aubry
- CNES, French Space Agency, 8 av Edouard Belin, 31401, Toulouse, France
| | - Anatoliy Borovik
- SSC RF Institute for Biomedical Problems RAS, 76A Khoroshevskoe sh., 123007, Moscow, Russia
| | - Daria Tsvirkun
- Laboratory of Integrated Neurovascular and Mitochondrial Biology (BNMI), UMR CNRS 6214, INSERM 1083, Faculté de Médecine d'Angers, 49045 Angers, France; CaDyWEC International Laboratory, Angers University, Angers, France
| | - Olga Vinogradova
- SSC RF Institute for Biomedical Problems RAS, 76A Khoroshevskoe sh., 123007, Moscow, Russia
| | - Eugeniy Ilyin
- SSC RF Institute for Biomedical Problems RAS, 76A Khoroshevskoe sh., 123007, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Claude Gharib
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School Lyon Est, 8, Avenue Rockfeller, 69373, Lyon, France
| | - Marc-Antoine Custaud
- Laboratory of Integrated Neurovascular and Mitochondrial Biology (BNMI), UMR CNRS 6214, INSERM 1083, Faculté de Médecine d'Angers, 49045 Angers, France; CaDyWEC International Laboratory, Angers University, Angers, France.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sultemeier DR, Choy KR, Schweizer FE, Hoffman LF. Spaceflight-induced synaptic modifications within hair cells of the mammalian utricle. J Neurophysiol 2017; 117:2163-2178. [PMID: 28228581 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00240.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to the microgravity conditions of spaceflight alleviates the load normally imposed by the Earth's gravitational field on the inner ear utricular epithelia. Previous ultrastructural investigations have shown that spaceflight induces an increase in synapse density within hair cells of the rat utricle. However, the utricle exhibits broad physiological heterogeneity across different epithelial regions, and it is unknown whether capabilities for synaptic plasticity generalize to hair cells across its topography. To achieve systematic and broader sampling of the epithelium than was previously conducted, we used immunohistochemistry and volumetric image analyses to quantify synapse distributions across representative utricular regions in specimens from mice exposed to spaceflight (a 15-day mission of the space shuttle Discovery). These measures were compared with similarly sampled Earth-bound controls. Following paraformaldehyde fixation and microdissection, immunohistochemistry was performed on intact specimens to label presynaptic ribbons (anti-CtBP2) and postsynaptic receptor complexes (anti-Shank1A). Synapses were identified as closely apposed pre- and postsynaptic puncta. Epithelia from horizontal semicircular canal cristae served as "within-specimen" controls, whereas utricles and cristae from Earth-bound cohorts served as experimental controls. We found that synapse densities decreased in the medial extrastriolae of microgravity specimens compared with experimental controls, whereas they were unchanged in the striolae and horizontal cristae from the two conditions. These data demonstrate that structural plasticity was topographically localized to the utricular region that encodes very low frequency and static changes in linear acceleration, and illuminates the remarkable capabilities of utricular hair cells for synaptic plasticity in adapting to novel gravitational environments.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Spaceflight imposes a radically different sensory environment from that in which the inner ear utricle normally operates. We investigated synaptic modifications in utricles from mice flown aboard a space shuttle mission. Structural synaptic plasticity was detected in the medial extrastriola, a region associated with encoding static head position, as decreased synapse density. These results are remarkably congruent with a recent report of decreased utricular function in astronauts immediately after returning from the International Space Station.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David R Sultemeier
- Department of Head & Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kristel R Choy
- Department of Head & Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Felix E Schweizer
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California; and.,Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Larry F Hoffman
- Department of Head & Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California; .,Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Alwood JS, Ronca AE, Mains RC, Shelhamer MJ, Smith JD, Goodwin TJ. From the bench to exploration medicine: NASA life sciences translational research for human exploration and habitation missions. NPJ Microgravity 2017. [PMID: 28649627 PMCID: PMC5460236 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-016-0002-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
NASA’s Space Biology and Human Research Program entities have recently spearheaded communications both internally and externally to coordinate the agency’s translational research efforts. In this paper, we strongly advocate for translational research at NASA, provide recent examples of NASA sponsored early-stage translational research, and discuss options for a path forward. Our overall objective is to help in stimulating a collaborative research across multiple disciplines and entities that, working together, will more effectively and more rapidly achieve NASA’s goals for human spaceflight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S Alwood
- Space BioSciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA USA
| | - April E Ronca
- Space BioSciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA USA.,Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC USA
| | | | - Mark J Shelhamer
- Human Research Program, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Jeffrey D Smith
- Space BioSciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA USA
| | - Thomas J Goodwin
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Moyer EL, Dumars PM, Sun GS, Martin KJ, Heathcote DG, Boyle RD, Skidmore MG. Evaluation of rodent spaceflight in the NASA animal enclosure module for an extended operational period (up to 35 days). NPJ Microgravity 2016; 2:16002. [PMID: 28725722 PMCID: PMC5515519 DOI: 10.1038/npjmgrav.2016.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Animal Enclosure Module (AEM) was developed as a self-contained rodent habitat for shuttle flight missions that provides inhabitants with living space, food, water, ventilation, and lighting, and this study reports whether, after minimal hardware modification, the AEM could support an extended term up to 35 days for Sprague-Dawley rats and C57BL/6 female mice for use on the International Space Station. Success was evaluated based on comparison of AEM housed animals to that of vivarium housed and to normal biological ranges through various measures of animal health and well-being, including animal health evaluations, animal growth and body masses, organ masses, rodent food bar consumption, water consumption, and analysis of blood contents. The results of this study confirmed that the AEMs could support 12 adult female C57BL/6 mice for up to 35 days with self-contained RFB and water, and the AEMs could also support 5 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats for 35 days with external replenishment of diet and water. This study has demonstrated the capability and flexibility of the AEM to operate for up to 35 days with minor hardware modification. Therefore, with modifications, it is possible to utilize this hardware on the International Space Station or other operational platforms to extend the space life science research use of mice and rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric L Moyer
- Space Biosciences Research Branch, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA.,Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Richard D Boyle
- Space Biosciences Research Branch, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
| | - Mike G Skidmore
- Space Biosciences Research Branch, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Globus RK, Morey-Holton E. Hindlimb unloading: rodent analog for microgravity. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2016; 120:1196-206. [PMID: 26869711 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00997.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The rodent hindlimb unloading (HU) model was developed in the 1980s to make it possible to study mechanisms, responses, and treatments for the adverse consequences of spaceflight. Decades before development of the HU model, weightlessness was predicted to yield deficits in the principal tissues responsible for structure and movement on Earth, primarily muscle and bone. Indeed, results from early spaceflight and HU experiments confirmed the expected sensitivity of the musculoskeletal system to gravity loading. Results from human and animal spaceflight and HU experiments show that nearly all organ systems and tissues studied display some measurable changes, albeit sometimes minor and of uncertain relevance to astronaut health. The focus of this review is to examine key HU results for various organ systems including those related to stress; the immune, cardiovascular, and nervous systems; vision changes; and wound healing. Analysis of the validity of the HU model is important given its potential value for both hypothesis testing and countermeasure development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth K Globus
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA-Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
| | - Emily Morey-Holton
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA-Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ghosh P, Stabley JN, Behnke BJ, Allen MR, Delp MD. Effects of spaceflight on the murine mandible: Possible factors mediating skeletal changes in non-weight bearing bones of the head. Bone 2016; 83:156-161. [PMID: 26545335 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 11/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Spaceflight-induced remodeling of the skull is characterized by greater bone volume, mineral density, and mineral content. To further investigate the effects of spaceflight on other non-weight bearing bones of the head, as well as to gain insight into potential factors mediating the remodeling of the skull, the purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of spaceflight on mandibular bone properties. Female C57BL/6 mice were flown 15d on the STS-131 Space Shuttle mission (n=8) and 13d on the STS-135 mission (n=5) or remained as ground controls (GC). Upon landing, mandibles were collected and analyzed via micro-computed tomography for tissue mineralization, bone volume (BV/TV), and distance from the cemento-enamel junction to the alveolar crest (CEJ-AC). Mandibular mineralization was not different between spaceflight (SF) and GC mice for either the STS-131 or STS-135 missions. Mandibular BV/TV (combined cortical and trabecular bone) was lower in mandibles from SF mice on the STS-131 mission (80.7±0.8%) relative to that of GC (n=8) animals (84.2±1.2%), whereas BV/TV from STS-135 mice was not different from GC animals (n=7). The CEJ-AC distance was shorter in mandibles from STS-131 mice (0.217±0.004mm) compared to GC animals (0.283±0.009mm), indicating an anabolic (or anti-catabolic) effect of spaceflight, while CEJ-AC distance was similar between STS-135 and GC mice. These findings demonstrate that mandibular bones undergo skeletal changes during spaceflight and are susceptible to the effects of weightlessness. However, adaptation of the mandible to spaceflight is dissimilar to that of the cranium, at least in terms of changes in BV/TV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Payal Ghosh
- Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - John N Stabley
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, Orlando, FL 3282, USA
| | - Bradley J Behnke
- Department of Kinesiology and Johnson Cancer Research Center, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Matthew R Allen
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Michael D Delp
- Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Liu H, Wang ZC, Bai YG, Cai Y, Yu JW, Zhang HJ, Bao JX, Ren XL, Xie MJ, Ma J. Simulated microgravity promotes monocyte adhesion to rat aortic endothelium via nuclear factor-κB activation. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2016; 42:510-9. [PMID: 25740656 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Revised: 02/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Microgravity-induced vascular remodelling may play an important role in post-spaceflight orthostatic intolerance. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of simulated microgravity on monocyte adhesion to aortic endothelium in hindlimb unweighted rats and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms associated with this event. Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 4-week hindlimb unweighting to simulate microgravity. The recruitment of monocytes to the abdominal aorta was investigated by en face immunofluorescence staining and monocyte binding assays. The expression of the adhesion molecules E-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 as well as the cytokine monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining, western blot, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses. Additionally, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and the messenger RNA expression levels of E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and MCP-1 were assessed with the administration of an NF-κB inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate. Results showed that simulated microgravity significantly increased monocyte recruitment to the aortic endothelium, protein expression of E-selectin and MCP-1, and NF-κB activation in the abdominal aorta of rats. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate treatment not only significantly inhibited NF-κB activity but also reduced the messenger RNA levels of E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and MCP-1 as well as monocyte recruitment in the abdominal aorta of hindlimb unweighted rats. These results suggest that simulated microgravity increases monocyte adhesion to rat aortic endothelium via the NF-κB-mediated expression of the adhesion molecule E-selectin and the cytokine MCP-1. Therefore, an NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response may be one of the cellular mechanisms responsible for arterial remodelling during exposure to microgravity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Liu
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Prisby RD, Alwood JS, Behnke BJ, Stabley JN, McCullough DJ, Ghosh P, Globus RK, Delp MD. Effects of hindlimb unloading and ionizing radiation on skeletal muscle resistance artery vasodilation and its relation to cancellous bone in mice. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2015; 120:97-106. [PMID: 26472865 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00423.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight has profound effects on vascular function as a result of weightlessness that may be further compounded by radiation exposure. The purpose of the present study was to assess the individual and combined effects of hindlimb unloading (HU) and radiation (Rad) on vasodilator responses in the skeletal muscle vasculature. Adult male C57BL/6J mice were randomized to one of four groups: control (Con), HU (tail suspension for 15 days), Rad (200 cGy of (137)Cs), and HU-Rad (15-day tail suspension and 200 cGy of (137)Cs). Endothelium-dependent vasodilation of gastrocnemius feed arteries was assessed in vitro using acetylcholine (ACh, 10(-9)-10(-4) M) and inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX). Endothelium-independent vasodilation was assessed using Dea-NONOate (10(-9)-10(-4) M). Endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilator responses were impaired relative to Con responses in all treatment groups; however, there was no further impairment from the combination of treatments (HU-Rad) relative to that in the HU and Rad groups. The NOS-mediated contribution to endothelium-dependent vasodilation was depressed with HU and Rad. This impairment in NOS signaling may have been partially compensated for by an enhancement of PGI2-mediated dilation. Changes in endothelium-dependent vasodilation were also associated with decrements in trabecular bone volume in the proximal tibia metaphysis. These data demonstrate that the simulated space environment (i.e., radiation exposure and unloading of muscle and bone) significantly impairs skeletal muscle artery vasodilation, mediated through endothelium-dependent reductions in NOS signaling and decrements in vascular smooth muscle cell responsiveness to NO.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rhonda D Prisby
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
| | - Joshua S Alwood
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
| | - Brad J Behnke
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and the Center for Exercise Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Kinesiology and the Johnson Cancer Research Center, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas; and
| | - John N Stabley
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and the Center for Exercise Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Danielle J McCullough
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and the Center for Exercise Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Payal Ghosh
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and the Center for Exercise Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Ruth K Globus
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
| | - Michael D Delp
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and the Center for Exercise Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wang Z, Bai Y, Yu J, Liu H, Cheng Y, Liu Y, Xie X, Ma J, Bao J. Caveolae regulate vasoconstriction of conduit arteries to angiotensin II in hindlimb unweighted rats. J Physiol 2015; 593:4561-74. [PMID: 26260249 DOI: 10.1113/jp270823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Weightlessness induces the functional remodelling of arteries, but the changes to angiotensin II (Ang II)-elicited vasoconstriction and the underlying mechanism have never been reported. Caveolae are invaginations of the cell membrane crucial for the contraction of vascular smooth muscle cells, so we investigated the adaptation of Ang II-elicited vasoconstriction to simulated weightlessness and the role of caveolae in it. The 4 week hindlimb unweighted (HU) rat was used to simulate the effects of weightlessness. Ang II-elicited vasoconstriction was measured by isometric force recording. The morphology of caveolae was examined by transmission electron microscope. The binding of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1 ) and caveolin-1 (cav-1) was examined by coimmunoprecipitation and Western blot. We found that the maximal developing force (E(max)) of Ang II-elicited vasoconstriction was decreased in abdominal aorta by 30.6%, unchanged in thoracic aorta and increased in carotid artery by 17.9% after HU, while EC50 of the response was increased in all three arteries (P < 0.05). AT1 desensitization upon activation was significantly reduced by HU in all three arteries, as was the number of caveolae (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Ang II promoted the binding of AT1 and cav-1 significantly in control but not HU arteries. Both the number of caveolae and the binding of AT1 and cav-1 in HU arteries were restored by cholesterol pretreatment which also reinstated the change in EC50 as well as the level of AT1 desensitization. These results indicate that modified caveolae in vascular smooth muscle cells could interfere with the binding of AT1 and cav-1 mediating the adaptation of Ang II-elicited vasoconstriction to HU.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongchao Wang
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Yungang Bai
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Jinwen Yu
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Yaoping Cheng
- Department of Aerospace Hygiene, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Yonghong Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xi Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoping Xie
- Department of Aerospace Hygiene, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Jin Ma
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Junxiang Bao
- Department of Aerospace Hygiene, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Platts SH, Bairey Merz CN, Barr Y, Fu Q, Gulati M, Hughson R, Levine BD, Mehran R, Stachenfeld N, Wenger NK. Effects of sex and gender on adaptation to space: cardiovascular alterations. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2015; 23:950-5. [PMID: 25401939 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2014.4912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex and gender differences in the cardiovascular adaptation to spaceflight were examined with the goal of optimizing the health and safety of male and female astronauts at the forefront of space exploration. Female astronauts are more susceptible to orthostatic intolerance after space flight; the visual impairment intracranial pressure syndrome predominates slightly in males. Since spaceflight simulates vascular aging, sex-specific effects on vascular endothelium and thrombotic risk warrant examination as predisposing factors to atherosclerosis, important as the current cohort of astronauts ages. Currently, 20% of astronauts are women, and the recently selected astronaut recruits are 50% women. Thus there should be expectation that future research will reflect the composition of the overall population to determine potential benefits or risks. This should apply both to clinical studies and to basic science research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven H Platts
- 1 National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center , Houston, Texas
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ishihara A, Nagatomo F, Terada M, Fujino H, Kondo H, Ishioka N. Effects of microgravity on the mouse triceps brachii muscle. Muscle Nerve 2015; 52:63-8. [PMID: 25307981 DOI: 10.1002/mus.24491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2014] [Revised: 09/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this study we investigated the effects of microgravity on the fiber properties of the mouse triceps brachii, a forelimb muscle that has no antigravity function. METHODS Mice (n = 7) were exposed to microgravity for 13 days on the space shuttle Atlantis (Space Transportation System-135). The fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) staining intensity of the triceps brachii muscle were compared with those of controls (n = 7). SDH activity in this muscle was also estimated. RESULTS Microgravity did not affect the body weight, muscle weight, or fiber CSA, but there was reduced SDH staining intensity of all types of fibers, irrespective of the muscle region (P < 0.05). Microgravity also reduced muscle SDH activity (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Short-term exposure to microgravity induced a decrease in oxidative capacity, but not atrophy, in the triceps brachii muscle of mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Ishihara
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Life Science, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Fumiko Nagatomo
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Life Science, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Masahiro Terada
- Department of Cell Biology, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidemi Fujino
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroyo Kondo
- Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Nagoya Women's University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Noriaki Ishioka
- Department of Interdisciplinary Science, Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Sagamihara, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Sofronova SI, Tarasova OS, Gaynullina D, Borzykh AA, Behnke BJ, Stabley JN, McCullough DJ, Maraj JJ, Hanna M, Muller-Delp JM, Vinogradova OL, Delp MD. Spaceflight on the Bion-M1 biosatellite alters cerebral artery vasomotor and mechanical properties in mice. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2015; 118:830-8. [PMID: 25593287 PMCID: PMC4385880 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00976.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Conditions during spaceflight, such as the loss of the head-to-foot gravity vector, are thought to potentially alter cerebral blood flow and vascular resistance. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of long-term spaceflight on the functional, mechanical, and structural properties of cerebral arteries. Male C57BL/6N mice were flown 30 days in a Bion-M1 biosatellite. Basilar arteries isolated from spaceflight (SF) (n = 6), habitat control (HC) (n = 6), and vivarium control (VC) (n = 16) mice were used for in vitro functional and mechanical testing and histological structural analysis. The results demonstrate that vasoconstriction elicited through a voltage-gated Ca(2+) mechanism (30-80 mM KCl) and thromboxane A2 receptors (10(-8) - 3 × 10(-5) M U46619) are lower in cerebral arteries from SF mice. Inhibition of Rho-kinase activity (1 μM Y27632) abolished group differences in U46619-evoked contractions. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation elicited by acetylcholine (10 μM, 2 μM U46619 preconstriction) was virtually absent in cerebral arteries from SF mice. The pressure-diameter relation was lower in arteries from SF mice relative to that in HC mice, which was not related to differences in the extracellular matrix protein elastin or collagen content or the elastin/collagen ratio in the basilar arteries. Diameter, medial wall thickness, and medial cross-sectional area of unpressurized basilar arteries were not different among groups. These results suggest that the microgravity-induced attenuation of both vasoconstrictor and vasodilator properties may limit the range of vascular control of cerebral perfusion or impair the distribution of brain blood flow during periods of stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana I Sofronova
- Institute for Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow; Faculty of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University
| | - Olga S Tarasova
- Institute for Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow; Faculty of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University
| | - Dina Gaynullina
- Institute for Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow; Faculty of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University; Department of Physiology, Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna A Borzykh
- Institute for Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow
| | - Bradley J Behnke
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - John N Stabley
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Danielle J McCullough
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Joshua J Maraj
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Mina Hanna
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Judy M Muller-Delp
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida; and
| | | | - Michael D Delp
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Prisby RD, Behnke BJ, Allen MR, Delp MD. Effects of skeletal unloading on the vasomotor properties of the rat femur principal nutrient artery. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2015; 118:980-8. [PMID: 25635000 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00576.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight and prolonged bed rest induce deconditioning of the cardiovascular system and bone loss. Previous research has shown declines in femoral bone and marrow perfusion during unloading and with subsequent reloading in hindlimb-unloaded (HU) rats, an animal model of chronic disuse. We hypothesized that the attenuated bone and marrow perfusion may result from altered vasomotor properties of the bone resistance vasculature. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of unloading on the vasoconstrictor and vasodilator properties of the femoral principal nutrient artery (PNA), the main conduit for blood flow to the femur, in 2 wk HU and control (CON) rats. Vasoconstriction of the femoral PNA was assessed in vitro using norepinephrine, phenylephrine, clonidine, KCl, endothelin-1, arginine vasopressin, and myogenic responsiveness. Vasodilation through endothelium-dependent [acetylcholine, bradykinin, and flow-mediated dilation (FMD)] and endothelium-independent mechanisms [sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and adenosine] were also determined. Vasoconstrictor responsiveness of the PNA from HU rats was not enhanced through any of the mechanisms tested. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation to acetylcholine (CON, 86 ± 3%; HU, 48 ± 7% vasodilation) and FMD (CON, 61 ± 9%; HU, 11 ± 11% vasodilation) were attenuated in PNAs from HU rats, while responses to bradykinin were not different between groups. Endothelium-independent vasodilation to SNP and adenosine were not different between groups. These data indicate that unloading-induced decrements in bone and marrow perfusion and increases in vascular resistance are not the result of enhanced vasoconstrictor responsiveness of the bone resistance arteries but are associated with reductions in endothelium-dependent vasodilation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rhonda D Prisby
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
| | - Bradley J Behnke
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, and the Center for Exercise Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Kinesiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas
| | - Matthew R Allen
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; and
| | - Michael D Delp
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, and the Center for Exercise Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Andreev-Andrievskiy A, Popova A, Boyle R, Alberts J, Shenkman B, Vinogradova O, Dolgov O, Anokhin K, Tsvirkun D, Soldatov P, Nemirovskaya T, Ilyin E, Sychev V. Mice in Bion-M 1 space mission: training and selection. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104830. [PMID: 25133741 PMCID: PMC4136787 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
After a 16-year hiatus, Russia has resumed its program of biomedical research in space, with the successful 30-day flight of the Bion-M 1 biosatellite (April 19-May 19, 2013). The principal species for biomedical research in this project was the mouse. This paper presents an overview of the scientific goals, the experimental design and the mouse training/selection program. The aim of mice experiments in the Bion-M 1 project was to elucidate cellular and molecular mechanisms, underlying the adaptation of key physiological systems to long-term exposure in microgravity. The studies with mice combined in vivo measurements, both in flight and post-flight (including continuous blood pressure measurement), with extensive in vitro studies carried out shortly after return of the mice and in the end of recovery study. Male C57/BL6 mice group housed in space habitats were flown aboard the Bion-M 1 biosatellite, or remained on ground in the control experiment that replicated environmental and housing conditions in the spacecraft. Vivarium control groups were used to account for housing effects and possible seasonal differences. Mice training included the co-adaptation in housing groups and mice adaptation to paste food diet. The measures taken to co-adapt aggressive male mice in housing groups and the peculiarities of "space" paste food are described. The training program for mice designated for in vivo studies was broader and included behavioral/functional test battery and continuous behavioral measurements in the home-cage. The results of the preliminary tests were used for the selection of homogenous groups. After the flight, mice were in good condition for biomedical studies and displayed signs of pronounced disadaptation to Earth's gravity. The outcomes of the training program for the mice welfare are discussed. We conclude that our training program was effective and that male mice can be successfully employed in space biomedical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Andreev-Andrievskiy
- Institute for Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow State University, Biology Faculty, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anfisa Popova
- Institute for Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow State University, Biology Faculty, Moscow, Russia
| | - Richard Boyle
- Bio-Visualization, Imaging and Simulation Technology Center (BioVIS), NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Alberts
- Indiana University, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Boris Shenkman
- Institute for Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Vinogradova
- Institute for Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Oleg Dolgov
- Anokhin Institute of Normal Physiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Konstantin Anokhin
- Anokhin Institute of Normal Physiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Kurchatov NBIC-center, National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, Russia
| | - Darya Tsvirkun
- Institute for Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel Soldatov
- Institute for Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Eugeniy Ilyin
- Institute for Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Sychev
- Institute for Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Liu H, Wang ZC, Yue Y, Yu JW, Cai Y, Bai YG, Zhang HJ, Bao JX, Ren XL, Xie MJ, Ma J. Simulated microgravity induces an inflammatory response in the common carotid artery of rats. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2014; 92:661-8. [PMID: 25008451 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2014-0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Post-spaceflight orthostatic intolerance is one of the most important adverse effects after exposure to space microgravity, and there are still no effective countermeasures. It has been considered that arterial remodeling may play an important role in the occurrence of post-spaceflight orthostatic intolerance, but the cellular mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we investigated whether an inflammatory response exists in the common carotid artery of rats exposed to simulated microgravity. For this, Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 4 weeks of hindlimb unweighting to simulate microgravity. The expression levels of the adhesion molecules E-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and the cytokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in the common carotid artery of simulated microgravity rats were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining, quantitative RT-PCR, and Western blot analyses. The recruitment of monocytes in the common carotid artery of rats exposed to simulated microgravity was investigated by en face immunofluorescence staining and monocyte binding assays. Our results provided convincing evidence that there is an inflammatory response in the common carotid artery of rats exposed to simulated microgravity. Our work suggests that the inflammatory response may be a novel cellular mechanism that is responsible for the arterial remodeling that occurs during exposure to microgravity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Liu
- a Department of Aerospace Physiology, Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Latchney SE, Rivera PD, Mao XW, Ferguson VL, Bateman TA, Stodieck LS, Nelson GA, Eisch AJ. The effect of spaceflight on mouse olfactory bulb volume, neurogenesis, and cell death indicates the protective effect of novel environment. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2014; 116:1593-604. [PMID: 24744382 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01174.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Space missions necessitate physiological and psychological adaptations to environmental factors not present on Earth, some of which present significant risks for the central nervous system (CNS) of crewmembers. One CNS region of interest is the adult olfactory bulb (OB), as OB structure and function are sensitive to environmental- and experience-induced regulation. It is currently unknown how the OB is altered by spaceflight. In this study, we evaluated OB volume and neurogenesis in mice shortly after a 13-day flight on Space Shuttle Atlantis [Space Transport System (STS)-135] relative to two groups of control mice maintained on Earth. Mice housed on Earth in animal enclosure modules that mimicked the conditions onboard STS-135 (AEM-Ground mice) had greater OB volume relative to mice maintained in standard housing on Earth (Vivarium mice), particularly in the granule (GCL) and glomerular (GL) cell layers. AEM-Ground mice also had more OB neuroblasts and fewer apoptotic cells relative to Vivarium mice. However, the AEM-induced increase in OB volume and neurogenesis was not seen in STS-135 mice (AEM-Flight mice), suggesting that spaceflight may have negated the positive effects of the AEM. In fact, when OB volume of AEM-Flight mice was considered, there was a greater density of apoptotic cells relative to AEM-Ground mice. Our findings suggest that factors present during spaceflight have opposing effects on OB size and neurogenesis, and provide insight into potential strategies to preserve OB structure and function during future space missions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Latchney
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Phillip D Rivera
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Xiao W Mao
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University and Medical Center, Loma Linda, California
| | - Virginia L Ferguson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado; and
| | - Ted A Bateman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Louis S Stodieck
- BioServe Space Technologies, Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Gregory A Nelson
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University and Medical Center, Loma Linda, California
| | - Amelia J Eisch
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas;
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Stabley JN, Prisby RD, Behnke BJ, Delp MD. Chronic skeletal unloading of the rat femur: mechanisms and functional consequences of vascular remodeling. Bone 2013; 57:355-60. [PMID: 24056176 PMCID: PMC3856860 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2013.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Revised: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Chronic skeletal unloading diminishes hindlimb bone blood flow. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine 1) whether 7 and 14days of skeletal unloading alter femoral bone and marrow blood flow and vascular resistance during reloading, and 2) whether putative changes in bone perfusion are associated with a gross structural remodeling of the principal nutrient artery (PNA) of the femur. Six-month old male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to 7-d or 14-d hindlimb unloading (HU) or weight-bearing control groups. Bone perfusion was measured following 10min of standing (reloading) following the unloading treatment. Histomorphometry was used to determine PNA media wall thickness and maximal diameter. Bone blood flow, arterial pressure and PNA structural characteristics were used to calculate arterial shear stress and circumferential wall stress. During reloading, femoral perfusion was lower in the distal metaphyseal region of 7-d HU rats, and in the proximal and distal metaphyses, diaphysis and diaphyseal marrow of 14-d HU animals relative to that in control rats. Vascular resistance was also higher in all regions of the femur in 14-d HU rats during reloading relative to control animals. Intraluminal diameter of PNAs from 14-d HU rats (138±5μm) was smaller than that of control PNAs (162±6μm), and medial wall thickness was thinner in PNAs from 14-d HU (14.3±0.6μm) versus that of control (18.0±0.8μm) rats. Decreases in both shear stress and circumferential stress occurred in the PNA with HU that later returned to control levels with the reductions in PNA maximal diameter and wall thickness, respectively. The results demonstrate that chronic skeletal unloading attenuates the ability to increase blood flow and nutrient delivery to bone and marrow with immediate acute reloading due, in part, to a remodeling of the bone resistance vasculature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John N. Stabley
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, and the Center for Exercise Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
| | - Rhonda D. Prisby
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716
| | - Bradley J. Behnke
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, and the Center for Exercise Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
| | - Michael D. Delp
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, and the Center for Exercise Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Up-regulation of ryanodine receptor expression increases the calcium-induced calcium release and spontaneous calcium signals in cerebral arteries from hindlimb unloaded rats. Pflugers Arch 2013; 466:1517-28. [DOI: 10.1007/s00424-013-1387-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Revised: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
34
|
Taylor CR, Hanna M, Behnke BJ, Stabley JN, McCullough DJ, Davis RT, Ghosh P, Papadopoulos A, Muller-Delp JM, Delp MD. Spaceflight-induced alterations in cerebral artery vasoconstrictor, mechanical, and structural properties: implications for elevated cerebral perfusion and intracranial pressure. FASEB J 2013; 27:2282-92. [PMID: 23457215 PMCID: PMC3659353 DOI: 10.1096/fj.12-222687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2012] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Evidence indicates that cerebral blood flow is both increased and diminished in astronauts on return to Earth. Data from ground-based animal models simulating the effects of microgravity have shown that decrements in cerebral perfusion are associated with enhanced vasoconstriction and structural remodeling of cerebral arteries. Based on these results, the purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that 13 d of spaceflight [Space Transportation System (STS)-135 shuttle mission] enhances myogenic vasoconstriction, increases medial wall thickness, and elicits no change in the mechanical properties of mouse cerebral arteries. Basilar and posterior communicating arteries (PCAs) were isolated from 9-wk-old female C57BL/6 mice for in vitro vascular and mechanical testing. Contrary to that hypothesized, myogenic vasoconstrictor responses were lower and vascular distensibility greater in arteries from spaceflight group (SF) mice (n=7) relative to ground-based control group (GC) mice (n=12). Basilar artery maximal diameter was greater in SF mice (SF: 236±9 μm and GC: 215±5 μm) with no difference in medial wall thickness (SF: 12.4±1.6 μm; GC: 12.2±1.2 μm). Stiffness of the PCA, as characterized via nanoindentation, was lower in SF mice (SF: 3.4±0.3 N/m; GC: 5.4±0.8 N/m). Collectively, spaceflight-induced reductions in myogenic vasoconstriction and stiffness and increases in maximal diameter of cerebral arteries signify that elevations in brain blood flow may occur during spaceflight. Such changes in cerebral vascular control of perfusion could contribute to increases in intracranial pressure and an associated impairment of visual acuity in astronauts during spaceflight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mina Hanna
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology
| | - Bradley J. Behnke
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology
- Center for Exercise Science, and
| | - John N. Stabley
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology
- Center for Exercise Science, and
| | | | - Robert T. Davis
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology
- Center for Exercise Science, and
| | - Payal Ghosh
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology
- Center for Exercise Science, and
| | | | - Judy M. Muller-Delp
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA; and
| | - Michael D. Delp
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology
- Center for Exercise Science, and
| |
Collapse
|