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Coherence between Brain Cortical Function and Neurocognitive Performance during Changed Gravity Conditions

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Venous and Arterial Responses to Partial Gravity.

Stuart M C Lee¹, David S Martin¹, Christopher A Miller¹

¹KBR, Houston, TX, United States.

Frontiers in Physiology

|August 28, 2020

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Reduced gravitational forces cause fluid to shift towards the head, increasing internal jugular vein (IJV) size and altering flow patterns. Gravitational levels above 0.50-Gz may mitigate these effects, potentially reducing risks associated with spaceflight.

Keywords:

artificial gravity gravity levels internal jugular vein parabolic flight spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome venous thrombosis

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Continuous Venous-Arterial Doppler Ultrasound During a Preload Challenge

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Published on: January 20, 2023

Area of Science:

Cardiovascular physiology
Aerospace medicine
Fluid dynamics

Background:

Spaceflight-induced cephalad fluid shift is linked to spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) and jugular vein thrombosis.
Understanding acute vascular changes at different gravitational levels is crucial for astronaut health.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between varying gravitational levels (Gz) and acute changes in the internal jugular vein (IJV), inferior vena cava (IVC), and common carotid artery (CCA).
To characterize IJV flow patterns under different Gz conditions.

Main Methods:

Ultrasound measurements of IJV cross-sectional area, IVC diameter, and CCA flow in nine subjects across seated 1.00, 0.75, 0.50, and 0.25 Gz, plus 1.00 Gz supine.
Characterization of IJV blood flow patterns.

Main Results:

IJV cross-sectional area significantly increased with decreasing Gz, from 12 mm² at 1.00 Gz seated to 103 mm² at 1.00 Gz supine.
IJV flow shifted from continuous to pulsatile as Gz decreased.
No significant changes in IVC diameter were detected; CCA flow varied with Gz and posture.

Conclusions:

Decreasing Gz levels cause IJV expansion and altered flow, mimicking conditions seen in astronauts.
Gz levels above 0.50 may be necessary to counteract headward fluid shifts, potentially lowering risks for SANS and venous thrombosis.