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Circadian rhythms in Macaca mulatta monkeys during Bion 11 flight
A M Alpatov1, T M Hoban-Higgins, V Y Klimovitsky
1RF SRC--Institute of Biomedical Problems, Moscow, Russia.
Journal of Gravitational Physiology : a Journal of the International Society for Gravitational Physiology
|September 7, 2001
Summary
Spaceflight alters primate circadian rhythms. Brain temperature rhythms showed a delayed phase in space, possibly due to a longer internal body clock period.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Chronobiology
- Space Medicine
Background:
- Circadian rhythms regulate physiological processes.
- Understanding circadian adaptations to spaceflight is crucial for astronaut health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate circadian rhythm adaptations in primates during spaceflight.
- To compare spaceflight and ground-based circadian patterns.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring of brain temperature, skin temperature, motor activity, and heart rate.
- Analysis of circadian rhythm parameters in both spaceflight and ground conditions.
Main Results:
- Circadian rhythms of all measured parameters synchronized with diurnal cues in space.
- A significant phase delay was observed in the brain temperature rhythm during spaceflight.
- The observed phase delay may indicate an extended endogenous circadian period.
Conclusions:
- Spaceflight can alter the phase of circadian rhythms, particularly brain temperature.
- The endogenous circadian period may increase during space missions.
- Further research is needed to understand the implications for astronaut health.