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Updated: Feb 22, 2026

Culturing Lymphocytes in Simulated Microgravity Using a Rotary Cell Culture System
Published on: August 25, 2022
Immune resistance of man in space flights
1Institute of Medical & Biological Problems of Ministry of Health of USSR, Moscow.
Abstract:
The immune system of 72 cosmonauts was studied after their flights on board Salyut 6, 7 and Mir orbital stations. PHA lymphocyte reactivity, T helper activity and NK capacity to recognize and kill the target were decreased on 1-7 days after prolonged (3-11 months) space flights. Certain alterations were found in the ultrastructure of the NK secretory and locomotor apparatuses. Decrement of IL 2 production was shown using the biological test. However immunoenzymatic analysis did not reveal a decrease in IL 2 synthesis. Production of a alpha-interferon remained unchanged while that of gamma-interferon either rose or was diminished. Several cosmonauts displayed a trend towards increased OAF production. The observed decrease in immune system functioning may increase the risk of various diseases during prolonged space flights.
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