NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Collections About News Help Login
Back to Results
Skeletal Responses to Long-Duration Simulated Weightlessness in RatsDamaging effects due to spaceflight and long-duration weightlessness are seen in the musculoskeletal system, specifically with regards to bone loss, bone resorption, and changes in overall bone structure. These adverse effects are all seen with indicators of oxidative stress and a variation in the levels of oxidative gene expression. Once gravity is restored, however, the recovery is slow and incomplete. Despite this, few reports have investigated the correlation between oxidative damage and general modifications within the bone. In this project, we will make use of a ground-based model of simulated weightlessness (hindlimb unloading, HU) in order to observe skeletal changes in response to induced microgravity due to changes in oxidative pressures. With this model we will analyze samples at 14-day and 90-day time points following HU for the determination of acute and chronic effects, each with corresponding controls. We hypothesize that simulated microgravity will lead to skeletal adaptations including time-dependent activation of pro-oxidative processes and pro-osteoclastogenic signals related to the progression, plateau, and recovery of the bone. Microcomputed tomography techniques will be utilized to measure skeletal changes in response to HU. With the results of this study, we hope to further the understanding of skeletal affects as a result of long-duration weightlessness and develop countermeasures to combat bone loss in spaceflight and osteoporosis on Earth.
Document ID
20180000857
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Presentation
Authors
Adams, Julia (California Univ. Santa Barbara, CA, United States)
Torres, Samantha (Blue Marble Space Seattle, WA, United States)
Schreurs, Ann-Sofie (Universities Space Research Association Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Alwood, Joshua S. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Shirazi-Fard, Yasaman (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Tahimic, Candice (KBRwyle Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Globus, Ruth (Universities Space Research Association Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
January 31, 2018
Publication Date
October 25, 2017
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Report/Patent Number
ARC-E-DAA-TN48023
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR)
Location: Seattle, WA
Country: United States
Start Date: October 25, 2017
End Date: October 28, 2017
Sponsors: American Society for Gravitational and Space Research
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNA16BD14C
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNX15AG98A
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Use by or on behalf of the US Gov. Permitted.
Keywords
hindlimb unloading
bone
microgravit

Related Records

There are no records associated with this record.
No Preview Available