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Clinostat rotation induces apoptosis in luteal cells of the pregnant ratRecent studies have shown that microgravity induces changes at the cellular level, including apoptosis. However, it is unknown whether microgravity affects luteal cell function. This study was performed to assess whether microgravity conditions generated by clinostat rotation induce apoptosis and affect steroidogenesis by luteal cells. Luteal cells isolated from the corpora lutea of Day 8 pregnant rats were placed in equal numbers in slide flasks (chamber slides). One slide flask was placed in the clinostat and the other served as a stationary control. At 48 h in the clinostat, whereas the levels of progesterone and total cellular protein decreased, the number of shrunken cells increased. To determine whether apoptosis occurred in shrunken cells, Comet and TUNEL assays were performed. At 48 h, the percentage of apoptotic cells in the clinostat increased compared with that in the control. To investigate how the microgravity conditions induce apoptosis, the active mitochondria in luteal cells were detected with JC-1 dye. Cells in the control consisted of many active mitochondria, which were evenly distributed throughout the cell. In contrast, cells in the clinostat displayed fewer active mitochondria, which were distributed either to the outer edge of the cell or around the nucleus. These results suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction induced by clinostat rotation could lead to apoptosis in luteal cells and suppression of progesterone production.
Document ID
20040088431
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Yang, Hyunwon
(Morehouse School of Medicine Atlanta, Georgia 30310)
Bhat, Ganapathy K.
Sridaran, Rajagopala
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 2002
Publication Information
Publication: Biology of reproduction
Volume: 66
Issue: 3
ISSN: 0006-3363
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: SO6-GMO8248
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Cell Biology
Non-NASA Center

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