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Related Experiment Videos

Decreased non-MHC-restricted (CD56+) killer cell cytotoxicity after spaceflight.

S K Mehta1, I Kaur, E A Grimm

  • 1Enterprise Advisory Services Inc., Houston, TX 77058, USA.

Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|September 25, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Spaceflight significantly reduced the cytotoxic activity of non-major histocompatibility complex-restricted (NMHC) killer cells in astronauts. This decrease in immune cell function correlated with increased urinary cortisol levels post-flight.

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Space Medicine
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Spaceflight impacts immune function.
  • Natural killer (NK) cells, specifically CD56+ non-major histocompatibility complex-restricted (NMHC) killer cells, play a crucial role in innate immunity.
  • Understanding NK cell responses during space missions is vital for astronaut health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the cytotoxic activity and surface marker expression of NMHC killer cells in astronauts before and after spaceflight.
  • To investigate the relationship between spaceflight-induced immune changes and hormonal responses.

Main Methods:

  • Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 10 astronauts were collected pre-flight, immediately post-flight, and 3 days post-flight.
  • Cytotoxic activity was measured using a 51Cr release assay with K562 target cells.
Keywords:
NASA Center JSCNASA Discipline Environmental Health

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  • Cell surface marker expression was analyzed by flow cytometry.
  • Urinary and plasma cortisol and ACTH levels were measured.

    • Main Results:

    • NMHC killer cell numbers remained stable, but their lytic activity decreased by approximately 40% immediately after landing.
    • Nine out of ten astronauts exhibited reduced NMHC killer cell cytotoxicity post-flight, with only three recovering by 3 days.
    • Urinary cortisol levels significantly increased post-landing, while plasma cortisol and ACTH showed no significant changes.
    • No consistent changes in major lymphocyte surface marker expression were observed.

    Conclusions:

    • Spaceflight temporarily impairs the cytotoxic function of NMHC killer cells.
    • Increased urinary cortisol post-flight may be associated with this immune suppression.
    • Further research is needed to understand the long-term implications of these findings for astronaut health and mission safety.