NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Effects of spaceflight in the adductor longus muscle of rats flown in the Soviet Biosatellite COSMOS 2044. A study employing neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) immunocytochemistry and conventional morphological techniques (light and electron microscopy)The effects of spaceflight upon the "slow" muscle adductor longus were examined in rats flown in the Soviet Biosatellite COSMOS 2044. The techniques employed included standard methods for light microscopy, neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy. Light microscopic observations revealed myofiber atrophy and segmental necrosis accompanied by cellular infiltrates composed of macrophages, leukocytes and mononuclear cells. Neural cell adhesion molecule immunoreactivity (N-CAM-IR) was seen on the myofiber surface and in regenerating myofibers. Ultrastructural alterations included Z band streaming, disorganization of myofibrillar architecture, sarcoplasmic degradation, extensive segmental necrosis with apparent preservation of the basement membrane, degenerative phenomena of the capillary endothelium and cellular invasion of necrotic areas. Regenerating myofibers were identified by the presence of increased amounts of ribosomal aggregates and chains of polyribosomes associated with myofilaments. The principal electron microscopic changes of the neuromuscular junctions showed axon terminals with a decrease or absence of synaptic vesicles replaced by microtubules and neurofilaments, degeneration of axon terminals, vacant axonal spaces and changes suggestive of axonal sprouting. The present observations suggest that alterations such as myofibrillar disruption and necrosis, muscle regeneration and denervation and synaptic remodeling at the level of the neuromuscular junction may take place during spaceflight.
Document ID
20050000647
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
D'Amelio, F.
(San Jose State University Foundation California)
Daunton, N. G.
Date Acquired
August 22, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of neuropathology and experimental neurology
Volume: 51
Issue: 4
ISSN: 0022-3069
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Experiment Number COS 2044-10
NASA Center ARC
Cosmos 2044 Project
Flight Experiment
unmanned
short duration
NASA Discipline Musculoskeletal

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available