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Effects of space flight and IGF-1 on immune function.
S K Chapes1, S J Simske, A D Forsman
1Division of Biology, Kansas State University, USA. skcbiol@ksu.edu
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|November 17, 2001
Summary
Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) partially reversed space flight
Area of Science:
- Space Biology
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Space flight induces significant physiological stress, impacting the immune system.
- Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) plays a crucial role in cellular growth and immune function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of IGF-1 in mitigating space flight-associated immune dysregulation.
- To examine the effects of IGF-1 on immune cell populations and function in rats exposed to space flight.
Main Methods:
- Twelve male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 10-day space flight (STS-77).
- Six rats received daily IGF-1 injections (10 mg/kg/day), while six received saline.
- Immune cell counts, corticosterone levels, spleen weights, lymph node cell proliferation, and macrophage cytokine secretion were analyzed.
Main Results:
- IGF-1 reversed space flight-induced lymphocytopenia and granulocytosis.
- Space flight elevated corticosterone levels, but IGF-1 did not affect this stress response.
- IGF-1 and space flight combined induced monocytopenia; reduced lymph node cell proliferation was not improved by IGF-1.
- Enhanced TNF, IL-6, and NO secretion by macrophages from flight animals was observed.
Conclusions:
- IGF-1 demonstrates a partial ameliorative effect on certain space flight-induced immune changes.
- Space flight can alter the normal physiological response to IGF-1.
- Further research is needed to fully understand IGF-1's role in space immunology.