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Effect of microgravity changes on virus infection in mice
1National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan.
Journal of Gravitational Physiology : a Journal of the International Society for Gravitational Physiology
|October 20, 2005
Summary
Microgravity stress reduces survival rates from herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection in mice. Interferon administration and repeated exposure may mitigate these effects, suggesting immune system involvement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Microgravity exposure is a known stressor.
- Stress can impact immune function and disease susceptibility.
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a common human pathogen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of microgravity-induced stress on susceptibility to HSV-1 infection in BALB/c mice.
- To explore the role of murine interferon (MuIFN) in mitigating microgravity-induced susceptibility.
- To examine the development of tolerance to microgravity stress with repeated exposure.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were exposed to short-duration microgravity (10 seconds).
- Mice were infected with HSV-1 post-exposure.
- Some mice received MuIFN administration.
- Other mice underwent repeated microgravity exposure.
- Tail-suspension was used as a model for microgravity stress.
Main Results:
- Mice exposed to microgravity showed a decreased survival rate following HSV-1 infection.
- MuIFN administration partially restored survival rates.
- Repeated microgravity exposure led to tolerance to the stress.
- Tail-suspended mice exhibited reduced resistance to viral infection.
Conclusions:
- Microgravity stress down-regulates resistance to viral infection, potentially through central nervous system modulation.
- The immune system, particularly cytokines like interferon, plays a role in this down-regulation.
- Mice can develop tolerance to the effects of microgravity stress with repeated exposure.