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Changes in gravity inhibit lymphocyte locomotion through type I collagen
N R Pellis1, T J Goodwin, D Risin
1Biotechnology Program, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas 77058, USA.
Summary
Simulated microgravity impairs human lymphocyte locomotion through collagen, suggesting non-stress-related immune changes. Recovery is slow, indicating potential long-term effects on immune cell function.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Space Medicine
Background:
- Immunity depends on lymphocyte circulation through various tissues.
- Lymphocyte interstitial migration is crucial for immune surveillance.
- Microgravity is a potential cause of immunosuppression.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate microgravity's effects on human lymphocyte function in vitro.
- Characterize mechanisms of microgravity-induced immunosuppression.
- Assess lymphocyte locomotion and activation under simulated microgravity.
Main Methods:
- Used a rotating-wall vessel (RWV) culture system to simulate microgravity.
- Assayed peripheral blood lymphocyte locomotion through Type I collagen.
- Evaluated lymphocyte viability, activation, and adhesion molecule expression.
Main Results:
- Simulated microgravity inhibited lymphocyte locomotion through Type I collagen.
- Lymphocytes showed impaired recovery of locomotion after RWV culture.
- RWV culture blunted lymphocyte response to phytohemagglutinin activation.
- Pre-activation with anti-CD3/IL-2 preserved locomotion in RWV.
Conclusions:
- Microgravity induces non-stress-related changes in lymphocyte function, affecting locomotion.
- Simulated microgravity alters lymphocyte activation states and adhesion molecule expression.
- The RWV system serves as a model to study microgravity's impact on lymphocyte movement.
- Findings suggest microgravity-induced changes in cell function may critically impact immunity.