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Published on: August 29, 2012
Hypergravity-induced immunomodulation in a rodent model: lymphocytes and lymphoid organs
Daila S Gridley1, Michael J Pecaut, Lora M Green
1Department of Radiation Medicine, Radiobiology Program, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354 USA. dgridley@dominion.llumc.edu
Journal of Gravitational Physiology : a Journal of the International Society for Gravitational Physiology
|November 26, 2003
Summary
Hypergravity significantly reduced body mass and immune cell counts in mice, with lasting effects on leukocyte distribution and function. These changes, most pronounced in the first week, offer insights into spaceflight
Area of Science:
- Space Biology
- Immunology
- Physiology
Background:
- Understanding the physiological effects of altered gravity is crucial for space exploration.
- Centrifugation-induced hypergravity provides a ground-based model to study these effects.
- Previous research suggests gravity impacts various biological systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify changes in lymphoid organs and immune cells in mice exposed to hypergravity.
- To assess the time course and gravity-dependent nature of these alterations.
- To compare hypergravity effects with known immune suppressors like irradiation.
Main Methods:
- C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 1, 2, and 3 G.
- Measurements included organ masses, leukocyte counts, splenocyte apoptosis, and immune cell phenotyping (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, B220+, NK1.1+).
- Analysis was conducted on days 1, 4, 7, 10, and 21 post-exposure.
Main Results:
- Hypergravity decreased body, spleen, thymus, and liver mass, but not lung mass.
- Significant reductions in lymphocytes, granulocytes, and monocyte/macrophages were observed, with persistent depletion in blood.
- CD8+ T cells and B cells were most affected, while NK cells were least affected; changes were most evident in the first week.
Conclusions:
- Hypergravity profoundly alters leukocyte number and distribution in mammals.
- Some immune aberrations persisted for three weeks and mimicked effects of whole-body irradiation.
- Future studies will explore combined hypergravity and irradiation effects on the immune system.
