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Effects of simulated weightlessness on bone mineral metabolismIt is pointed out that prolonged space flight, bedrest, and immobilization are three factors which can produce a negative calcium balance, osteopenia, and an inhibition of bone formation. It is not known whether the effects of gravity on bone mineral metabolism are mediated by systemic endocrine factors which affect all bones simultaneously, or by local factors which affect each bone individually. The present investigation has the objective to test the relative importance of local vs. systemic factors in regulating the bone mineral response to conditions simulating weightlessness. Experiments were conducted with male Sprague-Dawley rats. The test conditions made it possible to compare the data from weighted and unweighted bones in the same animal. The obtained findings indicate that a decrease in bone mass relative to control value occurs rapidly under conditions which simulate certain aspects of weightlessness. However, this decrease reaches a plateau after 10 days.
Document ID
19850059174
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Globus, R. K.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Bikle, D. D.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Morey-Holton, E.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA; U.S. Veterans Administration, Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: Endocrinology
Volume: 114
Issue: 6, 19
ISSN: 0013-7227
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Accession Number
85A41325
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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