[Gerbil experiment in the flight of spacecraft "Foton-M3"]

The 12-d mission of Russian spacecraft Foton-M3 in September of 2007 was used as an opportunity to fly an experiment with 12 male gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) at the age of 4-4.5 mos. and mean body weight of 51.6 grams. Considering the behavior pattern of these animals, selection and preparation of the experimental groups continued in the course of 2.5-3 months. The flight animals were contained in module Kontur-L outfitted with a self-sustained system of life support. In orbit, the animals received a palletized hydrogenous feed. The physiological and hygienic parameters of the gerbil environment during the flight complied with the official standards. Analysis of the video recorded behavior of animals in microgravity showed that virtually throughout the flight they moved chaotically along the cage never attempting to stabilize position catching at the wire netting of the cage. The animals were decapitated in 21-24 hours after landing. The investigations showed that structural and functional changes in gerbil organs and tissues were generally of the same type as in rats following fights of comparable duration. However, some differences between the animals were attributed to the specifics of water turnover in gerbils.