[Comparative analysis of changes in rats organisms exposed to microgravity and head-down suspension]

Comparative analysis of metabolic and structural shifts in rats following 14 days of microgravity aboard biosatellite Cosmos-2044 and their tail-suspended synchronous controls gave evidence that suspension-induced deprivation of hind limbs of support loading yields inherent to microgravity shifts the endocrine control of energy, plastic, and mineral metabolism. The conclusion has been drawn that tail-suspension can be used as a model of the microgravity effects on the musculoskeletal apparatus and the endocrine systems controlling metabolism in muscles and bones.