NASA Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports

20060001240 Institute of Space Medico-Engineering, Beijing, China
Effects of Simulated Microgravity on Morphology of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells and Its Production of
NO
Hua, Zhang; Ye-qing, Sun; Feng-yun, Zhang; Da-ming, Zhang; Xiu-zhi, Jia; De-chang, Xu; Chun-mei, Li; Space Medicine
& Medical Engineering; October 2005, pp. 324-328; In English; See also 20060001234; Copyright; Avail.: Other Sources
Objective: To investigate the morphology, production of nitric oxide (NO) and the expression of nitric oxide synthase of
human umbilical vein endothelial cells( HUVEC) under the condition of microgravity. Method: The HUVEC cultured in flasks
on microgravity-based clinostat for 48 h were the microgravity group,and those cultured in flasks under 1 g condition were
control group. Morphology of the cells were observed by inversion microscope and transmission electron microscope. The
flasks of the microgravity group were centrifuged at different rates, the supermutant was harvested and the production of nitric
oxide and the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were assayed. Result: The
morphology and ultrastructure of HUVEC cultured under microgravity changed. The cells became round and grew
overlapingly. NO production of the cells increased significantly , and was positively related with the degree of microgravity;
eNOS expression increased and iNOS expression of the cells cultured under microgravity was observed. Conclusion:
Microgravity can influence the morphology, ultrastructure, production of NO, and the expression of nitric oxide synthase of
HUVEC in vitro.
Author
Microgravity; Cultured Cells; In Vitro Methods and Tests; Nitric Oxide; Clinostats; Weightlessness Simulation
20060001241 Institute of Space Medico-Engineering, Beijing, China
Effects of K(+) Channel Alteration on Fatigability of High-Frequency Tetanic Contraction in Mouse Atrophic Soleus
Han-zhong, Feng; Zhi-bin, Yu; Space Medicine & Medical Engineering; October 2005, pp. 329-333; In English; See also
20060001234; Copyright; Avail.: Other Sources
Objective: To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the high fatigability in mouse atrophic soleus during
high-frequency tetanic contraction. Method: A tail-suspended mouse model was employed to simulate weightlessness on the
ground. Soleus muscle strips were perfused in vitro with Krebs-Henseleit solution containing 10 mmol/L K(+) (HK) or 60
mmol/L Na(+) (LNa) . The contractile function of muscle strips was observed during high-frequency stimulation. Result:
Maximal tension(P(sub o)) of soleus tetanic contraction showed no difference between control(CON) and 1-week
tail-suspension group( SUS). P(sub 33)/P(sub o),(P(sub 33), transient tension of tetanic contraction at the 33 s) was reduced
significantly in SUS, and it manifested an increase in fatigability during tetanic contraction in SUS. After high-frequency
tetanic contraction, the recover time of isometric tension was shortened in SUS. Comparing with Krebs-Henseleit solution
perfusion, P(sub o) and P(sub 33)/P(sub o) of soleus were lower under HK perfusion, but no difference in P(sub o) between
CON and SUS; however, P(sub 33)/P(sub o) decreased more in SUS than in CON. LNa perfusion induced an increase in P(sub
33)/P(sub o) of SUS, but decrease in that of CON. The threshold stimulating voltage was decreased in SUS soleus which were
perfused with HK, but no change in CON. The threshold stimulating voltage showed an increase in both CON and SUS under
LNa perfusion. Conclusion: These results suggest that the changes in K(+) channel characteristics may increase the fatigability
during high-frequency tetanic contraction in atrophic soleus.
Author
Weightlessness; In Vitro Methods and Tests; Threshold Voltage; Atrophy; Mice; Muscles
20060001242 Institute of Space Medico-Engineering, Beijing, China
Biodestructive Capability of Several Microorganisms on Space Structural Materials in Space
Qiong, Xie; Yong-zhi, Li; Yuan-liang, Wu; Yi-bing, Ma; Shuang-ning, Su; Space Medicine & Medical Engineering; October
2005, pp. 339-343; In English; See also 20060001234; Copyright; Avail.: Other Sources
The objective is to explore possible effect of microflora on space materials under space conditions. A seven months
biodestructive test of three fungi strains on 9 space structural materials was carried out in space environment with ground
controls. As compared with ground control, aerial hyphae of Aspergillus grew better. In space its conidium got more abundant,
and the weight loss of the materials by corrosion was less. Reproductive ability of the fungi is enhanced under space condition.
The growth rate is increased. The morphological differentiation is advanced and the biodestructive ability on space materials
is somewhat reduced.
Author (revised)
Microorganisms; Aerospace Medicine
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