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Immunological analyses of U.S. Space Shuttle crewmembers
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|March 1, 1986
Summary
Spaceflight may impact immune cells, with T-lymphocyte blastogenic capability potentially affected by decreased monocyte control post-flight. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Space Medicine
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Previous studies indicated alterations in T-lymphocyte immunoresponsiveness after spaceflight.
- Astronauts exhibit physiological changes during and after space missions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of spaceflight on various immune cell populations and their functions.
- To explore potential correlations between immune cell changes and stress responses.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of peripheral blood samples from astronauts before and after multiple Space Shuttle flights.
- Quantification of absolute lymphocyte counts, lymphocyte blastogenic capability, and eosinophil percentage.
- Assessment of B-lymphocyte and monocyte populations using monoclonal antibody tagging.
Main Results:
- Postflight, astronauts showed depressed absolute lymphocyte numbers, reduced lymphocyte blastogenic capability, and lower eosinophil percentages.
- A decrease in B-lymphocytes and monocytes was observed after spaceflight.
- A significant negative correlation (r=0.697) was found between reduced T-lymphocyte blastogenic capability and decreased monocyte counts.
Conclusions:
- Observed immune changes resemble stress responses and may not solely be attributed to spaceflight.
- The diminished T-lymphocyte blastogenic capability might be linked to reduced monocyte-mediated control.
- These findings suggest a potential immunoregulatory role for monocytes in spaceflight-induced immune alterations.