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Morpho-functional adaptations in the bone tissue under the space flight conditions.
1Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology, NAS of Ukraine, Kiev, Ukraine. rodionova@iz.freenet.kiev.ua
Journal of Gravitational Physiology : a Journal of the International Society for Gravitational Physiology
|March 26, 2003
Summary
Microgravity space flight accelerates bone loss, mirroring osteoporosis. This study examined ultrastructural changes in monkey bone cells after two weeks in space to understand these effects.
Area of Science:
- Space biology
- Bone physiology
- Cellular biology
Background:
- Microgravity during spaceflight causes significant skeletal unloading.
- This unloading is a model for studying osteopenia and osteoporosis, widespread "civilization diseases."
- Known effects include decreased bone growth, reduced mechanical strength, and increased fracture risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze ultrastructural changes in bone tissue cells.
- To investigate gravity-dependent cellular reactions in bone.
Main Methods:
- Utilized monkeys (Macaca mulatta) onboard the BION-11 biosatellite.
- Exposed subjects to microgravity for a two-week period.
- Examined bone tissue cell ultrastructure.
Main Results:
- Observed changes in bone tissue cell ultrastructure due to microgravity.
- Identified specific cellular responses to the lack of gravitational loading.
- Data provides insights into the mechanisms of bone loss in space.
Conclusions:
- Microgravity induces significant ultrastructural alterations in bone cells.
- Understanding these cellular changes is crucial for mitigating bone loss during space missions.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the cytological mechanisms of gravity-dependent bone reactions.
Keywords:
NASA Experiment Number B11-05B