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Choroidal responses in microgravity. (SLS-1, SLS-2 and hindlimb-suspension experiments)
J Gabrion1, S Herbute, J Oliver
1Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Universite de Montpellier 11.
Acta Astronautica
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Spaceflight alters choroid plexus function, impacting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production. Studies show microgravity changes choroidal cell structure and reduces CSF secretion, suggesting adaptations to space environments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Space Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Fluid and electrolyte shifts are known during spaceflight, affecting blood, cardiovascular, and renal systems.
- Cerebral fluid and electrolyte adaptation to microgravity remains understudied, with limited data available.
- Choroid plexuses, responsible for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production and brain homeostasis, are key targets for investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural and functional effects of spaceflight on choroid plexuses in rats.
- To understand how microgravity influences cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production and brain homeostasis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized space shuttle missions (SLS-1 and SLS-2) with rats exposed to microgravity.
- Employed quantitative autoradiography, microdensitometry, image analysis, electron microscopy, and immunocytochemistry.
- Compared space-flown rats with hindlimb-suspended rats as a ground-based model.
Main Results:
- Increased binding sites for natriuretic peptides in choroid plexuses after 9-day spaceflight (SLS-1).
- Observed changes in choroidal cell structure (microvilli, kinocilia, vesicles) and protein expression (carbonic anhydrase II, water channels) in space-flown rats (SLS-2).
- Indicated a loss of choroidal cell polarity and decreased CSF secretion, with similar changes in hindlimb-suspended rats.
Conclusions:
- Spaceflight induces significant structural and functional adaptations in choroid plexuses.
- These adaptations suggest a modified cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production during prolonged spaceflight.
- Findings support the hypothesis of altered CSF regulation in response to microgravity.