Neuromuscular adaptations to spaceflight are specific to postural muscles

The effects of microgravity were determined in muscles of differing function and myofiber-type composition. Rats were assigned either to a 10-day spaceflight mission or to ground-based control conditions. Following the experimental period, hindlimb muscles were obtained from both groups. Cytofluorescent techniques were used to examine neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) from both slow- and fast-twitch fibers. Histochemical procedures were employed to assess myofiber profiles (size and type). Results indicate that microgravity did not alter NMJ structure or myofiber profile in the tibialis anterior, a predominantly fast-twitch, nonpostural muscle. Similarly, the NMJs and myofibers of deep regions of the gastrocnemius, a locomotor muscle possessing a mixed fiber population, were unaffected by spaceflight. In contrast, both myofibers and NMJs of the soleus-a postural muscle-demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) plasticity following exposure to spaceflight. Moreover, NMJs of both fast- and slow-twitch myofibers displayed similar remodeling in that muscle. Our findings suggest that the deleterious effects of microgravity are most apparent among postural muscles, and are manifested both in myofibers and their synapses.