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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
In Vitro Growth of Mouse Preantral Follicles Under Simulated Microgravity
Published on: December 17, 2017
Microgravity-induced alterations in cultured testicular cells
F Strollo1, M A Masini, M Pastorino
1Unità Operativa Endocrinologia e Malattie del Ricambio "INRCA" & Università "la Sapienza", Roma, Italy. strofe@flashnet.it
Abstract:
Cultured STe cells (2n karyotype) from swine testis were submitted to simulated microgravity using a 3D Random Positioning Machine for 5 min., 15 min., 30 min., 1 h and 23 h. Sample processing included: histological characterization of cell types, immunohistochemical identification of (i) microtubules (a-tubulin), (ii) alkaline phosphates, (iii) 3 beta-hydroxy-steroid-dehydrogenase (3?-HSDH), and histochemical lipid analyses. After 5 min. simulated microgravity a slight microtubule disorganisation occurred, which increased dramatically with increasing microgravity duration. After 23 h microtubule arrays were completely disrupted. 3 beta-HSDH immunostaining was detectable only in one cell type: under control conditions and 5 min. into microgravity immunoreactivity was strong, but completely disappeared thereafter. Immunostaining intensity for alkaline phosphates, a good marker for myoid cells, decreased after 15 min. in microgravity.
Insights
Simulated microgravity disrupts cell structure in swine testis cells. Microtubule disorganization and loss of key enzyme activity occurred with longer exposure, impacting cell function.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Space Biology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- The effects of microgravity on testicular cells are not well understood.
- Understanding cellular responses to microgravity is crucial for long-duration space missions and potential extraterrestrial colonization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of simulated microgravity on swine testis (STe) cells.
- To analyze changes in cell morphology, microtubule organization, and specific enzyme activity under varying microgravity durations.
Main Methods:
- Cultured STe cells were exposed to simulated microgravity using a 3D Random Positioning Machine for durations up to 23 hours.
- Histological, immunohistochemical (a-tubulin, alkaline phosphates, 3 beta-hydroxy-steroid-dehydrogenase), and lipid analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- Microtubule disorganization was observed after 5 minutes of simulated microgravity, becoming complete by 23 hours.
- 3 beta-hydroxy-steroid-dehydrogenase activity, crucial for steroidogenesis, disappeared after 5 minutes of microgravity exposure.
- Alkaline phosphates, a marker for myoid cells, showed decreased intensity after 15 minutes.
Conclusions:
- Simulated microgravity significantly disrupts the cytoskeleton and key cellular functions in STe cells.
- These findings suggest potential adverse effects of microgravity on male reproductive health and steroidogenesis.
