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Myelinated fibers of the mouse spinal cord after a 30-day space flight
T V Povysheva1,2, P N Rezvyakov3, G F Shaimardanova4
1Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia. t.povysheva@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Myelinated fibers and myelin-forming cells in the spinal cord at the L3-L5 level were studied in C57BL/6N mice that had spent 30 days in space. Signs of destruction of myelin in different areas of white matter, reduction of the thickness of myelin sheath and axon diameter, decreased number of myelin-forming cells were detected in "flight" mice. The stay of mice in space during 30 days had a negative impact on the structure of myelinated fibers and caused reduced expression of the markers myelin-forming cells. These findings can complement the pathogenetic picture of the development of hypogravity motor syndrome.
Insights
Thirty days in space negatively impacted mouse spinal cord myelinated fibers and myelin-forming cells. This study reveals structural damage and reduced cell markers, potentially explaining hypogravity motor syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Space Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Spaceflight poses risks to the nervous system.
- Understanding the effects of microgravity on the spinal cord is crucial for astronaut health.
- Myelinated fibers are essential for rapid nerve impulse transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of 30 days of spaceflight on myelinated fibers and myelin-forming cells in the mouse spinal cord.
- To identify structural changes in the white matter at the L3-L5 spinal cord level.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of spinal cord tissue from C57BL/6N mice after 30 days in space.
- Microscopic examination of myelinated fibers, myelin sheath thickness, axon diameter, and myelin-forming cell counts.
- Assessment of myelin-forming cell marker expression.
Main Results:
- Spaceflight induced myelin destruction in various white matter areas.
- A reduction in myelin sheath thickness and axon diameter was observed.
- The number of myelin-forming cells decreased, and their marker expression was reduced in space-flown mice.
Conclusions:
- 30 days of spaceflight has detrimental effects on the structure of myelinated fibers in the spinal cord.
- Reduced myelin and myelin-forming cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of hypogravity motor syndrome.
- These findings highlight the need for countermeasures against spaceflight-induced neurological changes.
