Gmunder FK, Cogoli M, Bechler B, Joller P, Muller J, Ziegler WH, Cogoli A.
Aviat Space Environ Med. 1989 May; 60: 501.
Institute of Biotechnology, ETH-Zurich, Switzerland.
INTRODUCTION. Stress and microgravity have been suggested as a cause of reduced lymphocyte responsiveness to mitogens observed in the majority of astronauts during and after spaceflight. In a series of 3 Shuttle-experiments it was conclusively shown that microgravity affects lymphocyte responsiveness in vitro. The aim of this study was to test the effect of long distance running and HDT on lymphocyte responsiveness and the number of lymphocyte subsets. METHODS. 8 subjects were tested 2d prior, immediately after, and 2 days after a 13 mile run. 6 subjects were tested 10 d before HDT, at the end of the HDT-simulation (which went for 10 days), and at the first and sixth day of recovery. Lymphocyte responsiveness was assessed by measuring the uptake of 3H- labelled thymidine after con A stimulation. Lymphocyte subsets were identified within the lymphocyte cluster on a FACS after labelling with fluorescent monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS. Physical stress provoked a marked decrease of lymphocyte responsiveness immediately after the run. 2 days after the stress, the values returned to the baseline range. HDT did not affect the mitogenic response as compared to the baseline range. However, during the recovery period (first and sixth day after the end of HDT) an increase of the mitogenic response was noted, even though the lymphocyte numbers did not change. In both studies, no dramatic changes were found within the lymphocyte subsets. CONCLUSIONS. Prolonged physical stress induces changes in lymphocyte reactivity that are strikingly similar to those arising from spaceflight. In stark contrast, the physiological changes induced by HDT do not provoke similar reactions. Our studies on the effect of spaceflight, stress and immunity suggest that stress of all sort may be one factor that could affect immunity during long term spaceflight. Nevertheless, the question is still open whether microgravity per se has an additional depressive effect on lymphocyte function in vivo.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Head
- Head-Down Tilt
- In Vitro
- Lymphocyte Count
- Lymphocyte Subsets
- Lymphocytes
- Running
- Space Flight
- Stress
- Stress, Psychological
- Weightlessness
- Weightlessness Countermeasures
- Weightlessness Simulation
- NASA Discipline Number 00-00
- NASA Discipline Regulatory Physiology
- NASA Program Flight
- Non-NASA Center
Other ID:
UI: 102212934
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