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Blood pressure and mesenteric resistance arterial function after spaceflight
Daniel C Hatton1, Qi Yue, Justin Chapman
1Department of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Clinical Pharmacology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA. hattond@ohsu.edu
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|December 18, 2001
Summary
Spaceflight impairs vascular function in rats, reducing blood vessel contraction and relaxation. These changes may contribute to orthostatic intolerance, a common issue after space missions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular physiology
- Space medicine
- Animal models
Background:
- Ground studies suggest spaceflight may reduce vascular contraction.
- Understanding spaceflight's impact on vascular health is crucial for astronaut well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of spaceflight on vascular function.
- To determine if spaceflight alters arterial responses to vasoactive agents.
Main Methods:
- Vascular function was assessed in spontaneously hypertensive rats post-flight using wire myography.
- Isolated mesenteric resistance arteries were tested for responses to norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and sodium nitroprusside.
Main Results:
- Maximal contraction to norepinephrine was significantly attenuated after spaceflight.
- Vascular relaxation to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside was also impaired.
- Acetylcholine induced contraction in flight vessels, unlike in controls, indicating altered endothelial function.
Conclusions:
- Spaceflight induces both endothelial-dependent and independent alterations in vascular function.
- These vascular changes may contribute to orthostatic intolerance experienced by astronauts.
- Further research is needed to mitigate these spaceflight-induced cardiovascular effects.