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Research Containing: Rats

Space Environmental Factor Impacts upon Murine Colon Microbiota and Mucosal Homeostasis

by cfynanon 22 August 2016in Biology & Biotechnology No comment

Astronaut intestinal health may be impacted by microgravity, radiation, and diet. The aim of this study was to characterize how high and low linear energy transfer (LET) radiation, microgravity, and elevated dietary iron affect colon microbiota (determined by 16S rDNA pyrosequencing) and colon function. Three independent experiments were conducted to achieve these goals: 1) fractionated low LET gamma radiation (137Cs, 3 Gy, RAD), high Fe diet (IRON) (650 mg/kg diet), and a combination of low LET gamma radiation and high Fe diet (IRON+RAD) in male Sprague-Dawley rats; 2) high LET 38Si particle exposure (0.050 Gy), 1/6 G partial weight bearing (PWB), and a combination of high LET38Si particle exposure and PWB in female BalbC/ByJ mice; and 3) 13 d spaceflight in female C57BL/6 mice. Low LET radiation, IRON and spaceflight increased Bacteroidetes and decreased Firmicutes. RAD and IRON+RAD increased Lactobacillales and lowered Clostridiales compared to the control (CON) and IRON treatments. Low LET radiation, IRON, and spaceflight did not significantly affect diversity or richness, or elevate pathogenic genera. Spaceflight increased Clostridiales and decreased Lactobacillales, and similar trends were observed in the experiment using a ground-based model of microgravity, suggesting altered gravity may affect colonic microbiota. Although we noted no differences in colon epithelial injury or inflammation, spaceflight elevated TGFbeta gene expression. Microbiota and mucosal characterization in these models is a first step in understanding the impact of the space environment on intestinal health.

Related URLs:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26083373

Spaceflight inhibits bone formation independent of corticosteroid status in growing rats

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Biology & Biotechnology No comment

Bone formation and structure have been shown repeatedly to be altered after spaceflight. However, it is not known whether these changes are related to a stress-related altered status of the corticosteroid axis. We investigated the role of corticosteroids on spaceflight-induced effects in rat pelvis and thoracic vertebrae. Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to a flight, flight control, or vivarium group (n = 12/group). Bilateral adrenalectomy was performed in six rats per group, the additional six rats undergoing sham surgery. Adrenalectomized (ADX) rats were implanted with corticosteroid pellets. On recovery from spaceflight, thoracic vertebrae and the whole pelvis were removed and processed for biochemistry, histomorphometry, or bone cell culture studies. The 17-day spaceflight resulted in decreased bone volume (BV) in the cotyle area of pelvic bones (-12%; p < 0.05) associated with approximately 50% inhibition of bone formation in the cancellous area of pelvic metaphyses and in thoracic vertebral bodies. The latter effect was associated with a decreased number of endosteal bone cells isolated from the bone surface (BS) in these samples (-42%; p < 0.05). This also was associated with a decreased number of alkaline phosphatase positive (ALP+) endosteal bone cells at 2 days and 4 days of culture, indicating decreased osteoblast precursor cell recruitment. Maintaining basal serum corticosterone levels in flight-ADX rats did not counteract the impaired bone formation in vertebral or pelvic bones. Moreover, the decreased ex vivo number of total and ALP+ endosteal bone cells induced by spaceflight occurred independent of endogenous corticosteroid hormone levels. These results indicate that the microgravity-induced inhibition of bone formation and resulting decreased trabecular bone mass in specific areas of weight-bearing skeleton in growing rats occur independently of endogenous glucocorticoid secretion.

Related URLs:
http://ovidsp.ovid.com/ovidweb.cgi?T=JS&CSC=Y&NEWS=N&PAGE=fulltext&D=emed5&AN=2000223590
http://sfxhosted.exlibrisgroup.com/mayo?sid=OVID:embase&id=pmid:&id=doi:&issn=0884-0431&isbn=&volume=15&issue=7&spage=1310&pages=1310-1320&date=2000&title=Journal+of+Bone+and+Mineral+Research&atitle=Spaceflight+inhibits+bone+formation+independent+of+corticosteroid+status+in+growing+rats&aulast=Zerath&pid=%3Cauthor%3EZerath+E.%3C%2Fauthor%3E&%3CAN%3E2000223590%3C%2FAN%3E

Model microgravity enhances endothelium differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Biology & Biotechnology No comment

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of differentiation into multilineage cell types under certain induction conditions. Previous studies have demonstrated that physical environments and mechanical force can influence MSC fate, indicating that these factors may be favorable inducers for clinical treatment. Our previous study found that MSCs are spread with a spindle shape when cultured in normal gravity (NG), and under modeled microgravity (MMG) for 72 h, they become unspread and round and their cytoskeleton fibers are reorganized. These morphological changes affected the function of MSCs through the activity of RhoA. We examined the responses of MSCs under MMG stimulation, followed with VEGF differentiation. We found that MSCs under MMG for 72 h were differentiated into endothelial-like cells by detecting the expression of endothelial-specific molecules (Flk-1 and vWF), which were also able to form a capillary network. Their endothelial differentiation potential was improved under MMG compared with that under NG. We believe that this method is a novel choice of MMG stimulation for neovascularization. This phenomenon may increase the potential of MSC differentiation, which might be a new strategy for the treatment of various vascular diseases and improve vascularization in tissue engineering.

Related URLs:
<Go to ISI>://WOS:000314275500002

Loss of T cell precursors after spaceflight and exposure to vector-averaged gravity

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Biology & Biotechnology No comment

Using fetal thymus organ culture (FTOC), we examined the effects of spaceflight and vector-averaged gravity on T cell development. Under both conditions, the development of T cells was significantly attenuated. Exposure to spaceflight for 16 days resulted in a loss of precursors for CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+CD8+ T cells in a rat/mouse xenogeneic co-culture. A significant decrease in the same precursor cells, as well as a decrease in CD4-CD8- T cell precursors, was also observed in a murine C57BL/6 FTOC after rotation in a clinostat to produce a vector-averaged microgravity-like environment. The block in T cell development appeared to occur between the pre-T cell and CD4+CD8+ T cell stage. These data indicate that gravity plays a decisive role in the development of T cells.

Related URLs:
http://ovidsp.ovid.com/ovidweb.cgi?T=JS&CSC=Y&NEWS=N&PAGE=fulltext&D=med4&AN=12824295
http://sfxhosted.exlibrisgroup.com/mayo?sid=OVID:medline&id=pmid:12824295&id=doi:&issn=0892-6638&isbn=&volume=17&issue=11&spage=1526&pages=1526-8&date=2003&title=FASEB+Journal&atitle=Loss+of+T+cell+precursors+after+spaceflight+and+exposure+to+vector-averaged+gravity.&aulast=Woods&pid=%3Cauthor%3EWoods+CC%3C%2Fauthor%3E&%3CAN%3E12824295%3C%2FAN%3E

An artificial testis for production of rat haploid cells

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Biology & Biotechnology No comment

PURPOSE: We attempted to apply the microgravity cell culture system for rat testicular germ cell maturation in vitro. METHODS: Primary spermatocytes were isolated from immature male rat by sedimentation velocity. Sertoli cells were isolated from another immature male by enzyme digestions. Sertoli cell aggregates were plated into conventional tissue culture flasks and incubated at 37 degrees C for 48 hours. These pretreated Sertoli-enriched monocultures were used in preparing Sertoli cell-primary spermatocyte cocultures. And then, primary spermatocytes and Sertoli cells were cocultured in a microgravity cell culture device for 28 days. RESULTS: Cell viability rate is more than 50 % after a 28-day long period of incubation. Furthermore, about 23 % haploid germ cells are observed. CONCLUSIONS: These results using primary spermatocyte coculture with Sertoli cell aggregates under microgravity show that it is possible to mature these cells up to the round spermatid and even to elongating/elongated steps. It may be possible to overcome the male sterility due to maturation arrest at the primary spermatocyte stage.

Related URLs:
http://ovidsp.ovid.com/ovidweb.cgi?T=JS&CSC=Y&NEWS=N&PAGE=fulltext&D=emed6&AN=14566684
http://sfxhosted.exlibrisgroup.com/mayo?sid=OVID:embase&id=pmid:14566684&id=doi:10.1055%2Fs-2003-41616&issn=0001-7868&isbn=&volume=34&issue=4&spage=273&pages=273-275&date=2003&title=Aktuelle+Urologie&atitle=An+artificial+testis+for+production+of+rat+haploid+cells&aulast=Yamamoto&pid=%3Cauthor%3EYamamoto+Y.%3C%2Fauthor%3E&%3CAN%3E14566684%3C%2FAN%3E

Decrease in the number of progenitors of fibroblasts (CFUf) in bone marrow of rats after a 14-day flight onboard the Cosmos-2044 biosatellite

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Biology & Biotechnology No comment

A decrease in the number of progenitors of fibroblasts (CFUf) was found in bone marrow of rats that underwent a 14-day flight in the state of weightlessness onboard the Cosmos-2044 biosatellite, immediately after flight, when compared with rats maintained in control conditions of terrestrial gravitation. These changes may be explained by the action of specific factors of microgravitation.

Related URLs:
http://ovidsp.ovid.com/ovidweb.cgi?T=JS&CSC=Y&NEWS=N&PAGE=fulltext&D=med3&AN=2257939
http://sfxhosted.exlibrisgroup.com/mayo?sid=OVID:medline&id=pmid:2257939&id=doi:&issn=0015-5500&isbn=&volume=36&issue=3&spage=194&pages=194-7&date=1990&title=Folia+Biologica&atitle=Decrease+in+the+number+of+progenitors+of+fibroblasts+%28CFUf%29+in+bone+marrow+of+rats+after+a+14-day+flight+onboard+the+Cosmos-2044+biosatellite.&aulast=Vacek&pid=%3Cauthor%3EVacek+A%3C%2Fauthor%3E&%3CAN%3E2257939%3C%2FAN%3E

Impaired osteoblastogenesis potential of progenitor cells in skeletal unloading is associated with alterations in angiogenic and energy metabolism profile

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Biology & Biotechnology No comment

Skeletal unloading provokes bone loss. These bone alterations have been shown to be associated with impairment of osteoblastic activity. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of skeletal unloading on bone marrow progenitor cells, for exploration of the underlying mechanism. Wistar rats were randomized to be either hindlimb unloaded for 9 days or to act as controls. Micro-CT was used to detect tibial trabecular architecture changes in response to skeletal unloading. Microgravity conditions for 9 days resulted in a decreased number and an increased spacing of the bone trabeculae in the proximal tibia. The proliferative capacity of the femoral bone marrow samples was assessed (fibroblast-colony-forming assay). By using qPCR, the expression of selected markers of vascularization (Vegfa; Hif1a; Angpt1), energy metabolism (Prkaa2; Mtor), bone formation (Runx2; Alp; Bglap; Bmp2; Bmp4; Bmp7) and bone resorption (Acp5; Tnfsf11; Tnfrsf11b) in these bone marrow suspensions was measured. We demonstrated a striking decrease in the number of fibroblastic progenitors in response to hindlimb unloading. This deficit in proliferation was shown to be accompanied by altered hindlimb perfusion and cellular energy homeostasis. Ex vivo culture assays of the bone marrow-derived progenitor cells screened for osteogenic (Runx2; Alp; Bglap) and adipogenic (Pparg; Fabp4) differentiation alterations in response to microgravity. Induced progenitor cells from unloaded rats showed a delay in osteogenic differentiation and impaired adipogenic differentiation compared to control. The data of this multi-level approach demonstrate that skeletal unloading significantly affects the bone tissue and its metabolism at the progenitor stage. The molecular expressions of the bone marrow population support a role of cellular metabolic stresses in skeletal alterations induced by inactivity.

Related URLs:
<Go to ISI>://WOS:000306372100004

Long-term (6-wk) hindlimb suspension inhibits spermatogenesis in adult male rats

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Biology & Biotechnology No comment

The International Space Station will allow extended habitation in space and long-term exposure to microgravity (microG). A concern is the impact of long-term microG exposure on the ability of species to reproduce. The model often used to simulate microG is rat hindlimb suspension (HLS), where the hindlimbs are elevated above the cage floor with a tail harness. Experiments described here are the first to examine the effect of long-term HLS on testicular function in adult male rats. Free-roaming (controls), animals with only the tail harnessed but hindlimbs in contact with the cage floor (TO), and HLS animals were tested for 6 wk. Cryptorchidism was prevented in TO and HLS animals by partial constriction of the inguinal canal with sutures. All parameters were compared at the end of the 6-wk experiment. Testicular weights and spermatogenesis were significantly reduced by HLS, such that no spermatogenic cells beyond round spermatids were present and epididymides were devoid of mature sperm. In many tubules, loss of all germ cells, except a few spermatogonia, resulting in histopathology similar to the Sertoli cell, was observed. Spermatogenesis appeared unaffected in control and TO animals. Sertoli and Leydig cell appearance, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels, and epididymal and seminal vesicle weight were unchanged by HLS. Cortisone was not elevated by HLS; thus stress may not be a factor. These results demonstrate that spermatogenesis is severely inhibited by long-term HLS, whereas testicular androgen production is not. These results have significant implications regarding serious effects of long-term exposure to microG on the reproductive capability of scrotal mammals, including humans.

Related URLs:
http://ovidsp.ovid.com/ovidweb.cgi?T=JS&CSC=Y&NEWS=N&PAGE=fulltext&D=emed5&AN=2002226130
http://sfxhosted.exlibrisgroup.com/mayo?sid=OVID:embase&id=pmid:&id=doi:&issn=8750-7587&isbn=&volume=92&issue=3&spage=1191&pages=1191-1198&date=2002&title=Journal+of+Applied+Physiology&atitle=Long-term+%286-wk%29+hindlimb+suspension+inhibits+spermatogenesis+in+adult+male+rats&aulast=Tash&pid=%3Cauthor%3ETash+J.S.%3C%2Fauthor%3E&%3CAN%3E2002226130%3C%2FAN%3E

Spaceflight-induced alterations in cerebral artery vasoconstrictor, mechanical, and structural properties: implications for elevated cerebral perfusion and intracranial pressure

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Biology & Biotechnology No comment

Evidence indicates that cerebral blood flow is both increased and diminished in astronauts on return to Earth. Data from ground-based animal models simulating the effects of microgravity have shown that decrements in cerebral perfusion are associated with enhanced vasoconstriction and structural remodeling of cerebral arteries. Based on these results, the purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that 13 d of spaceflight [Space Transportation System (STS)-135 shuttle mission] enhances myogenic vasoconstriction, increases medial wall thickness, and elicits no change in the mechanical properties of mouse cerebral arteries. Basilar and posterior communicating arteries (PCAs) were isolated from 9-wk-old female C57BL/6 mice for in vitro vascular and mechanical testing. Contrary to that hypothesized, myogenic vasoconstrictor responses were lower and vascular distensibility greater in arteries from spaceflight group (SF) mice (n=7) relative to ground-based control group (GC) mice (n=12). Basilar artery maximal diameter was greater in SF mice (SF: 236+/-9 mum and GC: 215+/-5 mum) with no difference in medial wall thickness (SF: 12.4+/-1.6 mum; GC: 12.2+/-1.2 mum). Stiffness of the PCA, as characterized via nanoindentation, was lower in SF mice (SF: 3.4+/-0.3 N/m; GC: 5.4+/-0.8 N/m). Collectively, spaceflight-induced reductions in myogenic vasoconstriction and stiffness and increases in maximal diameter of cerebral arteries signify that elevations in brain blood flow may occur during spaceflight. Such changes in cerebral vascular control of perfusion could contribute to increases in intracranial pressure and an associated impairment of visual acuity in astronauts during spaceflight.

Related URLs:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23457215
http://www.fasebj.org/content/27/6/2282.full.pdf

[Hemopoietic status of rats exposed to weightlessness]

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Biology & Biotechnology No comment

This paper summarizes experimental data on the erythropoiesis of rats flown on Cosmos biosatellites for 18-22 days. The histogenesis of the hemopoietic tissue is investigated at the level of stem cells, dividing-maturing pool and mature blood cells (erythrocytes). In weightlessness inhibition of the erythropoiesis in various skeletal sites occurs. Flight data are compared with hemopoietic findings in hypokinetic rats. Possible mechanisms underlying red blood disorders in humans during space flight are discussed. [References: 17]

Related URLs:
http://ovidsp.ovid.com/ovidweb.cgi?T=JS&CSC=Y&NEWS=N&PAGE=fulltext&D=med2&AN=6384656
http://sfxhosted.exlibrisgroup.com/mayo?sid=OVID:medline&id=pmid:6384656&id=doi:&issn=0321-5040&isbn=&volume=18&issue=4&spage=12&pages=12-6&date=1984&title=Kosmicheskaia+Biologiia+i+Aviakosmicheskaia+Meditsina&atitle=Sostoianie+gemopoeza+u+krys%2C+nakhodivshikhsia+v+nevesomosti.&aulast=Shvets&pid=%3Cauthor%3EShvets+VN%3C%2Fauthor%3E&%3CAN%3E6384656%3C%2FAN%3E

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