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The validity of an animal model for experiments related to weightlessnessAnimal evolution has witnessed morphological and physiological adaptations to gravitational forces. In the rat, hind limb muscles can be used to illustrate a range of load bearing functions: soleus - gastrocnemius = plantaris - extensor digitorum longus (EDL). A harness suspension apparatus is used to induce hypokinesia and hypodynamia (H&H) and to simulate responses comparable to those seen in weightlessness (i.e., COSMOS experiments). After one and two weeks of suspension H&H, there is muscle atrophy with a loss in muscle mass; the result of loss in muscle protein. Concommitantly, there is a decrease in RNA, but not in DNA content. The effects are greatest in the soleus and least in the EDL. These recent findings, in concert with earlier reports of increased nitrogenous excretion, suggest that both decreased protein synthesis and increased protein catabolism are characteristic of muscle atrophy. Recovery is seen in terms of reversal of these effects after removal from suspension.
Document ID
19840041550
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Musacchia, X. J.
(Louisville Univ. KY, United States)
Steffen, J. M.
(Louisville, University Louisville, KY, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1983
Publication Information
Publication: Physiologist, Supplement
Volume: 26
ISSN: 0031-9376
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Accession Number
84A24337
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-70
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-2325
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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