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BRN 3.1 Knockouts Affect the Vestibular, Autonomic, and Circadian Rhythm Responses to 2G ExposureOur previous studies have demonstrated that 2G exposure via centrifugation significantly attenuated the daily mean and circadian rhythm amplitude of rat body temperature (Tb), heart rate, and activity (Act). In addition, 2G exposure activates neural responses in several vestibular, autonomic, and circadian nuclei. Although we have characterized the effect of 2G on an animal's physiological, neuronal, and behavioral responses, it will be important to understand the underlying neural and physiological mechanisms that mediate those responses. For example, the vestibular responses, proprioceptive feedback, or fluid shifts may be the critical factors that mediate the responses to 2G. As a first step to understand the relative importance of these different response pathways to altered gravitational fields, this study examined the contribution of the vestibular system by utilizing an animal model from molecular biology. Brain 3.1 (Bm 3.1) is a POU domain homeobox gene involved in the normal development of the vestibular and auditory system. Brn 3.1 deletion results in a loss of hair cells in the otoliths, semicircular canals, and cochlea. As a result mice with a Brn 3.1 deletion do not have a functioning vestibular or auditory system. The BRN 3.1 knockout mouse could be a very useful animal model for isolating the role of the vestibular system in mediating the physiological responses to 2G exposure. Therefore, this study compared the effect of 2G exposure via centrifugation between Brn 3.1 knockout (KO) versus Wildtype (W) mice.
Document ID
20000020666
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Murakami, D. M.
(California Univ. Davis, CA United States)
Erkman, L.
(California Univ. San Diego, CA United States)
Rosenfeld, M. G.
(California Univ. San Diego, CA United States)
Fuller, C. A.
(California Univ. Davis, CA United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1999
Publication Information
Publication: Proceedings of the First Biennial Space Biomedical Investigators' Workshop
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-4552
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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