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Cytokine secretion by immune cells in space
S K Chapes1, D R Morrison, J A Guikema
1Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506-4901.
Journal of Leukocyte Biology
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Spaceflight enhances immune cell cytokine production. Macrophages, spleen, and lymphocytes secreted more key immune signaling molecules like interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor, and interferons when stimulated in microgravity compared to Earth controls.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Space Biology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- The immune system's response in microgravity is not fully understood.
- Cytokine secretion is a critical function of immune cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of spaceflight on cytokine secretion by various immune cells.
- To determine if microgravity enhances or inhibits immune cell function.
Main Methods:
- Cultured bone marrow-derived macrophages, murine spleen cells, and human lymphocytes were used.
- Cells were stimulated with specific activators (lipopolysaccharide, poly I:C, concanavalin A) in space and on Earth.
- Cytokine levels (interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor, interferon-alpha, interferon-gamma) were measured.
Main Results:
- Lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages secreted significantly more interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor in space.
- Poly I:C-stimulated murine spleen cells released more interferon-alpha in space.
- Concanavalin A-stimulated T cells and lymphocytes secreted significantly more interferon-gamma in space.
Conclusions:
- Spaceflight significantly enhances the in vitro cytokine release of immune cells.
- Microgravity appears to have a stimulatory effect on immune cell function related to cytokine production.