Plasticity of arterial vasculature during simulated weightlessness and its possible role in the genesis of postflight orthostatic intolerance

Even after several decades of extensive research, the basic mechanism of postflight cardiovascular dysfunction has not yet been fully elucidated. It is now well recognized that multiple mechanisms might account for the frequent occurrence of significant postflight orthostatic intolerance. It has been found that all tissues adapt their design when exposed to sustained alteration in local activity and/or stress. The most obvious example is the musculo-skeletal system, structure and function of which might be severely affected during microgravity exposure. In an attempt to elucidate whether structure and function of cardiac and vascular smooth muscle might be affected by simulated by microgravity, a serial work was started several years ago. In this paper, we present our more recent findings on plasticity of arterial vasculature and its innervation state during and after simulated microgravity and its time course.     

模拟失重对大鼠情绪影响的初步研究

目的:研究模拟失重状态对大鼠情绪产生的影响。方法:从20只雄性SD大鼠中挑选16只分成正常组和模拟失重组(n=8),采用摄食和体重测定、旷场试验、糖水偏好度测试及情绪唤醒程度评定四种方法,对大鼠进行情绪检测。结果:①模拟失重组大鼠摄食量下降,体重增加速率较正常组显著减小;②模拟失重14 d后,大鼠的运动力下降,爬格数显著低于正常组(P<0.05),自我修饰次数比正常组明显增多,洗脸与理毛次数均显著高于正常组(P<0.01);③与正常组比较,模拟失重大鼠具有更高水平的情绪唤醒度;④模拟失重14 d对大鼠的糖水偏好度无显著影响。结论:模拟失重14 d使大鼠出现抑郁、紧张和焦躁等负面情绪,出现一定程度的神经质反应,但不会出现快感缺乏。     

间断性人工重力作用对模拟失重大鼠股骨的防护效应

目的：比较三种间断性人工重力对抗措施对模拟失重大鼠的影响。方法：SD雄性大鼠30只,按体重配对后随机等分为5组：对照组（C）,悬吊组（S）,站立组（G1）,1.5G（G2）和2.6G人工重力组（G3）。对抗组大鼠每日分别给予1h的站立、1.5和2.6G人工重力作用。利用物理测量和三点弯曲等实验,观察了3周间断性人工重力对大鼠股骨生长、生物力学特性的影响。结果：与S组大鼠比较：G1组弹性载荷、最大和刚性系数显著恢复（P＜0.05）;G2组直径（P＜0.01）和干重、密度（P＜0.05）,弹性载荷和最大载荷显著提高（P＜0.05）;G3组弹性载荷和最大载荷显著恢复（P＜0.01）。结论：三种对抗措施均显著改善了尾吊大鼠承重骨的生长力学特性,而1.5G的1h/d人工重力作用是较理想的对抗方法。     

Ex vitro experimental study on concentration polari-zation of macromolecules (LDL) at an arterial stenosis

To verify the previous theoretical prediction that the disturbed flow distal to a stenosis enhances lipid accumulation at the blood/arterial wall interface, we designed a canine carotid arterial stenosis model and measured ex vitro the luminal surface concentration of bovine serum albumin (as a tracer macromolecule) by directly taking liquid samples from the luminal surface of the artery. The experimental results showed that due to the presence of a filtration flow, the luminal surface albumin concentration cw was higher than the bulk concentration co as predicted by our theory. The measurement revealed that the luminal surface concentration of macromolecules was indeed enhanced significantly in regions of the disturbed flow. At Re = 50, the relative luminal surface concentration cw/co was 1.66±0.10 in the vortex region, while the cw/co was 1.37±0.06 in the laminar flow region. When Re increased to 100,the cw/co in the vortex flow region and the laminar flow region reduced to 1.39±0.07 and 1.24±0.04,respectively. The effect of the filtration rate, vw, on the luminal surface concentration of albumin was remarkably apparent. At Re=50 and 100, when vw=8.9±1.7×10-6 cm/s, cw in the vortex region was 77% and 52% higher than co respectively, meanwhile when vw = 4.8±0.6×10-6 cm/s, cw in the vortex region was only 66% and 39% higher than co respectively. In summary, the present study has provided further experimental evidence that concentration polarization can occur in the arterial system and fluid layer with highly concentrated lipids in the area of flow separation point may be responsible for the formation and development of atherosclerosis.     

Ex vitro experimental study on concentration polari-zation of macromolecules (LDL) at an arterial stenosis

To verify the previous theoretical prediction that the disturbed flow distal to a stenosis enhances lipid accumulation at the blood/arterial wall interface, we designed a canine carotid arterial stenosis model and measured ex vitro the luminal surface concentration of bovine serum albumin (as a tracer mac-romolecule) by directly taking liquid samples from the luminal surface of the artery. The experimental results showed that due to the presence of a filtration flow, the luminal surface albumin concentration cw was higher than the bulk concentration co as predicted by our theory. The measurement revealed that the luminal surface concentration of macromolecules was indeed enhanced significantly in re-gions of the disturbed flow. At Re = 50, the relative luminal surface concentration cw/co was 1.66 ± 0.10 in the vortex region, while the cw/co was 1.37 ± 0.06 in the laminar flow region. When Re increased to 100, the cw/co in the vortex flow region and the laminar flow region reduced to 1.39 ± 0.07 and 1.24 ± 0.04, respectively. The effect of the filtration rate, vw, on the luminal surface concentration of albumin was remarkably apparent. At Re = 50 and 100, when vw = 8.9 ± 1.7 × 10-6 cm/s, cw in the vortex region was 77% and 52% higher than co respectively, meanwhile when vw = 4.8 ± 0.6 × 10-6 cm/s, cw in the vortex region was only 66 % and 39% higher than co respectively. In summary, the present study has provided further experimental evidence that concentration polarization can occur in the arterial system and fluid layer with highly concentrated lipids in the area of flow separation point may be responsible for the formation and development of atherosclerosis.     

The study on the mechanism of G intolerance of rabbits after simulated weightlessness

The direct consequence of cardiovascular adaptation to weightlessness (WL) is the decrease of G tolerance. In studying the mechanism of G intolerance after WL, respiration, heart rate, electrocardiogram, temporal arterial flow, loss of vision were usually used as the indices for evaluation of G tolerance. However the changes of microcirculation and blood rheological indices were seldom observed. Considering that the changes of status of blood circulation after WL may be one of the important factors causing decrease of G tolerance, the purpose of this paper is to observe the changes of microcirculation, blood rheological and the structure and circulatory status of four organs in rabbits during -4Gx after exposure to simulated weightlessness (SWL), in order to understand the cause of G intolerance after WL.     

Decreased arterial vasculature of the epididymal head in XXSxr pseudomale ('sex-reversed') mice

The microvasculature of epididymides of mature normal XY mice was found to be similar to that reported for other species. The abundant arterial supply to the initial segment is consistent with reports of extensive blood supply associated with high levels of metabolic activity in this segment. We have previously reported the absence of the initial segment in XXSxr pseudomale ('XX sex-reversed') mice. We now present evidence of a decreased arterial supply to the proximal region of the epididymal head in XXSxr pseudomales, including the absence of the dense peritubular microvascular network which surrounds the initial segment in the normal epididymis.     

Experimental studies on effects of simulated weightlessness on myocardial function and structure

Recognizing the need to identify and quantify the alterations in myocardial function and structure induced by weightlessness and to clarify the underlying mechanisms, we have devoted ourselves to the present serial work in recent years. To achieve this, firstly, some modifications to the model originally introduced by Morey-Holton and Wronski (1981) were made, so as to make the suspension period prolonged to more than 120 days with least stressful influence and no injurious effects on the tail skin. Secondly, the cardiovascular deconditioning effects of this model were confirmed in conscious rats. Thirdly, changes in myocardial contractile function and ultrastructure after tail-suspension were studied. The main purpose of this paper is to review our recent progress with comments and perspectives.     

Changes in potassium currents of vascular smooth muscle cells from hindquarter arteries of 4-wk simulated weightlessness rats

It has been reported by Delp et al and Ma J et al that the vasoreactivity of hindquarter vessels from simulated weightless rats decreased. Many factors may contribute to the depressed vasoreactivity. Because the potassium channels play an important role in regulating the resting potential and contribute to the action of some vasoactive substances, we speculated that the changes of potassium channels may be an electro-physiological mechanism involved in the depressed vasoreactivity of hindquarter vessels due to simulated weightlessness.     

火烧高温对泥炭藓孢子萌发力影响的模拟实验

作为生态系统稳定性维持的一个重要因素,火对泥炭地优势植物泥炭藓(Sphagnum)孢子库的影响尚不清楚.以采自长白山区泥炭地的泥炭土和3种泥炭藓的成熟孢子为实验材料,室内模拟火烧,以此设置不同温度水平(20、40、60或100℃,持续0.5、1、2、4或10 min),对泥炭藓孢子进行热激处理,经萌发实验后,研究火烧高温对孢子萌发率的影响.结果显示,火烧期间各层土温随深度而递减,表层泥炭可达300℃的极端高温,而1 cm深温度仅为70℃,体现出泥炭土良好的热缓冲性;40℃的热激可使锈色泥炭藓(S.fuscum)与中位泥炭藓(S.magellanicum)孢子萌发率提高20%与50%;60℃的热激使尖叶泥炭藓(S.capillifolium)孢子的萌发率提高1倍;100℃热激对3种泥炭藓孢子萌发则有强烈的抑制作用.研究表明,泥炭藓孢子耐受高温的能力有限,但土壤中的孢子凭借泥炭的良好热缓冲性,可以躲避火烧高温造成的致命伤害,适度的热激甚至能提高其萌发力,对其在火后的建植及种群的长存可能有重要意义.     

川芎嗪对模拟失重大鼠颈动脉平滑肌Ca2+敏感性的影响

目的：探讨川芎嗪对模拟失重大鼠颈动脉平滑肌收缩蛋白Ca²⁺敏感性的影响及机制。方法：21只雌性SD大鼠分为对照组（CON）、模拟失重组（TS）、模拟失重+川芎嗪灌饲组（LTZ）（n=7）。4周后测定大鼠颈动脉收缩性、收缩蛋白Ca²⁺敏感性及肌球蛋白轻链激酶抑制剂ML-7对以上指标的影响。结果：TS组苯肾上腺素（PHE）收缩力比CON组高25.14%（P<0.01）,LTZ组较TS组低13.46%（P<0.01）,较CON组高8.30%;ML-7可使CON、TS、LTZ组PHE收缩力分别降低8.84%、16.24%（P<0.01）和3.40%;TS组KCl收缩力比CON组高40.46%（P<0.01）,LTZ组较TS组低18.80%,较CON组高14.05%;ML-7可使CON、TS、LTZ组KCl收缩力分别降低21.97%（P<0.05）、21.88%（P<0.01）和10.84%;TS组pD2[Ca²⁺]比CON组高10.03%（P<0.01）,LTZ组较TS组低7.01%（P<0.01）,较CON组高2.32%;ML-7可使CON、TS、LTZ组pD2[Ca²⁺]分别降低2.42%、7.43%（P<0.01）和2.51%。结论：模拟失重大鼠颈动脉收缩增强可能是由动脉平滑肌收缩蛋白Ca²⁺敏感性增强所导致的。川芎嗪可改善模拟失重大鼠颈动脉的收缩功能,其机制可能与抑制血管平滑肌肌球蛋白轻链激酶继而降低Ca²⁺敏感性有关。     

模拟失重环境对大肠杆菌K12表型异质性亚群菌株的影响

【背景】我国未来几年深空探索任务将呈"井喷式"发展,微生物对于航天活动的影响越来越引起关注,而国内外少有表型异质性亚群的研究。【目的】从表型异质性的角度探讨低剪切力模拟失重环境(Low-shearmodeledmicrogravity,LSMMG)和低剪切力正常重力环境(Low-shearnormalgravity,LSNG)对大肠杆菌K12造成的影响。【方法】利用旋转细胞培养系统模拟失重环境对大肠杆菌K12进行连续传代培养,从单克隆形态、颜色以及菌体形态等方面挑选出表型异质性的亚群菌株,对不同菌株进行增殖速率、抗生素耐药性、生物被膜形成、环境压力抵抗力以及细胞毒性的测定,以此评估低剪切力和模拟失重环境对大肠杆菌K12的影响。【结果】利用旋转细胞培养系统连续传代培养,总共分离出4株形态不同的表型异质性亚群菌株,其中2株来自模拟失重组(M1,Ma),另外2株来自正常重力对照组(N1,Na);4株亚群与原始菌株(P)相比,在增殖速率、生物被膜形成、环境压力抵抗力和细胞毒性方面均有增强或减弱的明显变化,对于抗生素的耐药性无明显变化。【结论】低剪切力模拟失重环境以及存在低剪切力的正常重力环境均能引起大肠杆菌表型异质性变化,与原始菌株相比,表型异质性亚群菌株在分化上并没有统一的方向,但仍需警惕那些可能对人类造成危害的变化表型。     

Effects of simulated microgravity (HDT) on blood fluidity.

Exposures to microgravity and head-down tilt (HDT) produce similar changes in body fluid. This causes an increase in hematocrit that significantly affects hemorheological values. Lack of physical stimulation under bed rest conditions and the relative immobility of the crew during spaceflight also affects the blood fluidity. A group of six healthy male subjects participated as volunteers, and blood samples were collected 10 days before, on day 2 and day 9, and 2 days after the HDT phase. Blood rheology was quantified by plasma viscometry, red cell aggregability, and red cell deformability. A reduced red cell deformability, an indication of the diminished quality of the red blood cells, was measured under HDT conditions that finally led to the so-called "space flight anemia." Enhanced red cell membrane fragility induced by diminished physical activity and an increase in hemoglobin concentration are responsible for this effect. Plasma viscosity is reduced as a result of diminished plasma proteins. However, despite the reduction in plasma proteins, including fibrinogen, alpha 2-macroglobulin, and immunoglobulin M, red cell aggregation was enhanced, principally because of the increase in hematocrit. Our results of hemorheological alterations under HDT conditions may help to elucidate the formerly documented hematologic changes during spaceflight.     

Effects of macroalgal mats on intertidal sandflats: an experimental study

The growth of green macroalgal mats is becoming increasingly common in many marine intertidal habitats. While the ecological effects of such growth has previously been experimentally investigated on mudflats, such experiments have rarely been performed on intertidal sandflats. This study investigated the ecological effects of macroalgal cover on a moderately exposed intertidal sandflat, Drum Sands, Firth of Forth, Scotland. Artificially implanted Enteromorpha prolifera (Müller) caused marked changes in the macrobenthos, together with significant changes in all the measured sediment variables. After 6 weeks, the weed significantly increased the macrofaunal diversity. The numbers of Pygospio elegans (Claparède) were significantly reduced under weed mats, while those of Capitella capitata (Fabricius), oligochaetes and gammarids increased. Percent water, organics and silt/clay contents, medium phi and sorting coefficient significantly increased in the sediments under weed mats which also became significantly more reduced between 1 and 8 cm depth. After 20 weeks, a macrofaunal community numerically dominated by C. capitata, with a significantly reduced diversity, was present under weed mats, while sediment variables were no longer significantly different from controls. The negative effect of E. prolifera on P. elegans was mainly due to larval filtering, suggesting that weed is likely to have detrimental effects on population maintenance of most species which rely on planktonic larval recruitment. These results are broadly similar to those obtained from algal manipulation experiments performed in much more sheltered, muddier environments. We suggest that a predictable deterioration in environmental quality results from the growth of macroalgal mats in soft-bottom habitats. However, the longer term effects of such algal growth are less predictable and depend upon the spatial distributions of the most abundant infaunal species and the spatial heterogeneity of weed mat establishment.