Related Experiment Videos
Simulated microgravity and hypergravity attenuate heart tissue development in explant culture.
P Y Lwigale1, J E Thurmond, W N Norton
1Department of Biology, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614, USA.
Cells, Tissues, Organs
|September 6, 2000
Summary
Altered gravity affects embryonic heart development by disrupting cell-matrix interactions. Microgravity reduced cardiac contractions and fibronectin (FN) staining, indicating sensitivity in cardiomyogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Space biology
- Cell biology
Background:
- Organ development relies on dynamic cell-surface interactions.
- Fibronectin (FN) is crucial for heart development, linking the extracellular matrix (ECM) to the cytoskeleton.
- Altered gravity may disrupt these essential cellular processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of altered gravity on embryonic heart development.
- To examine the role of fibronectin (FN) in gravity-dependent cardiomyogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Cultured chick embryonic precardiac explants in simulated microgravity (bioreactor) and hypergravity (centrifuge).
- Assessed explant morphology, development of contractions, and fibronectin (FN) distribution via immunostaining.
- Analyzed ultrastructure, including desmosome density.
Main Results:
- Microgravity did not alter external morphology but significantly reduced contractions and fibronectin (FN) staining in basement membranes.
- Hypergravity abolished contractions and altered morphogenesis.
- Ultrastructural analysis revealed fewer desmosomes per unit area under microgravity.
Conclusions:
- Embryonic cardiomyogenesis, particularly fibronectin (FN) interactions, is sensitive to altered gravity.
- These findings suggest potential risks to organogenesis in space environments.
Keywords:
Non-programmatic