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Effects of space flight on the immunohistochemical demonstration of connexin 26 and connexin 43 in the postpartum uterus of ratsThe effect of space flight in a National Aeronautics and Space Administration shuttle was studied in pregnant rats. Rats were launched on day 11 of gestation and recovered on day 20 of gestation. Pregnancy was allowed to proceed to term and rats delivered vaginally on days 22-23, although flight animals required more labour contractions to complete the delivery process. Pups were placed with foster dams and connexin 26 and 43 were examined in the uterus of flight animals approximately 3 h after delivery. Space flight did not affect uterine connexin 26, localized primarily in epithelial cells of the endometrium, but decreased connexin 43, the major gap junction protein in the myometrium. It is suggested that decreased connexin 43 alters synchronization and coordination of labour contractions, resulting in a requirement for more contractions to complete the delivery process.
Document ID
20040141723
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Burden, H. W.
(School of Medicine, East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858-4354, United States)
Zary, J.
Alberts, J. R.
Date Acquired
August 22, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1999
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of reproduction and fertility
Volume: 116
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0022-4251
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Non-NASA Center
manned
STS-70 Shuttle Project
Flight Experiment
NASA Discipline Developmental Biology
NASA Experiment Number 9303031 2/2
short duration

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