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Monitoring Immune System Function and Reactivation of Latent Viruses in the Artificial Gravity Pilot StudyNumerous studies have indicated that dysregulation of the immune system occurs during or after spaceflight. Using 21 day -6 deg. head-down tilt bed rest as a spaceflight analog, this study describes the effects of artificial gravity as a daily countermeasure on immunity, stress and reactivation of clinically important latent herpes viruses. The specific aims were to evaluate psychological and physiological stress, to determine the status of the immune system and to quantify reactivation of latent herpes viruses. Blood, saliva, and urine samples were collected from each participating subject at different times throughout the study. An immune assessment was performed on all treatment and control subjects that consisted of a comprehensive peripheral immunophenotype analysis, intracellular cytokine profiles and a measurement of T cell function. The treatment group displayed no differences throughout the course of the study with regards to peripheral leukocyte distribution, cytokine production or T cell function. Shedding of EBV and CMV was quantified by real time PCR in saliva and urine samples, respectively. There was no significant difference in CMV DNA in the treatment group as compared to the control group. EBV and VZV on the other hand showed a mild reactivation during the study. There were no significant differences in plasma cortisol between the control and treatment groups. In addition, no significant differences between antiviral antibody titers (EBV-VCA, -EA, -EBNA, CMV) or tetramer-positive (EBV, CMV) were found between the two groups. EBV DNA copies in blood were typically undetectable but never exceeded 1,500 copies per 10(exp 6) PBMCs. These data indicate that the artificial gravity countermeasure and the 21 day head-down tilt bed rest regimen had no observable adverse effect on immune function.
Document ID
20070013697
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Mehta, Satish (Enterprise Advisory Services, Inc. Houston, TX, United States)
Crusian, Brian (Wyle Labs., Inc. Houston, TX, United States)
Pierson, Duane (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Sams, Clarence (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Stowe, Raymond (Microgen Laboratories La Marque, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
April 13, 2007
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Meeting Information
Meeting: 28th Annual International Gravitational Physiology
Location: San Antonio, TX
Country: United States
Start Date: April 8, 2007
End Date: April 13, 2007
Sponsors: International Society for Gravitational Physiology
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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