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Effects of spaceflight on rat pituitary cell function.

W C Hymer1, R Grindeland, I Krasnov

  • 1Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802.

Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|August 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary

Spaceflight significantly reduced growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) secretion in rats. Intracellular changes in GH cells were also observed, suggesting physiological deconditioning during space missions.

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Space Biology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Spaceflight is known to induce physiological deconditioning.
  • The effects of microgravity on endocrine cells, specifically pituitary cells producing growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL), require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the secretory capacity and intracellular changes of GH and PRL cells from rats exposed to spaceflight.
  • To compare spaceflight-induced changes with those observed in tail-suspended rats, a model for microgravity effects.

Main Methods:

  • Pituitary cells from rats flown on COSMOS 1887 and COSMOS 2044 missions were tested postflight.
  • Hormone release was assessed using biologic and immunologic assays.
  • Intracellular changes in GH cells were analyzed via staining intensities and cytoplasmic areas.
Keywords:
NASA Center ARCNASA Discipline Regulatory PhysiologyNon-NASA Center

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Main Results:

  • Statistically significant and repeatable decrements in GH and PRL hormone release were observed in space-flown rats.
  • Biologic assays revealed more pronounced reductions in hormone release compared to immunologic assays.
  • Significant intracellular alterations in GH cells, including increased staining intensity and cytoplasmic area, were noted.

Conclusions:

  • Spaceflight leads to deconditioning of the GH and PRL cell system.
  • Tail suspension partially mimics spaceflight-induced changes in these cells.
  • Understanding these changes provides insights into the readaptation period required after space missions.