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Influence of gravity on the circadian timing systemThe circadian timing system (CTS) is responsible for daily temporal coordination of physiological and behavioral functions both internally and with the external environment. Experiments in altered gravitational environments have revealed changes in circadian rhythms of species ranging from fungi to primates. The altered gravitational environments examined included both the microgravity environment of spaceflight and hyperdynamic environments produced by centrifugation. Acute exposure to altered gravitational environments changed homeostatic parameters such as body temperature. These changes were time of day dependent. Exposure to gravitational alterations of relatively short duration produced changes in both the homeostatic level and the amplitude of circadian rhythms. Chronic exposure to a non-earth level of gravity resulted in changes in the period of the expressed rhythms as well as in the phase relationships between the rhythms and between the rhythms and the external environment. In addition, alterations in gravity appeared to act as a time cue for the CTS. Altered gravity also affected the sensitivity of the pacemaker to other aspects of the environment (i.e., light) and to shifts of time cues. Taken together, these studies lead to the conclusion that the CTS is indeed sensitive to gravity and its alterations. This finding has implications for both basic biology and space medicine.
Document ID
19950029083
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Fuller, C. A.
(University of California, Davis, CA US, United States)
Hoban-Higgins, T. M.
(University of California, Davis, CA US, United States)
Griffin, D. W.
(University of California, Davis, CA US, United States)
Murakami, D. M.
(University of California, Davis, CA US, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Life sciences and space research 25 (1). Gravitational biology; Interdisciplinary Scientific Commission F of the COSPAR Plenary Meeting, 29th, Washington, DC, Aug. 28-Sep. 5, 1992. A95-60632
Volume: 14
Issue: 8
ISSN: 0273-1177
ISBN: 0-08-042485-6
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Accession Number
95A60682
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG2-587
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-2195
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG2-467
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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