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Post-spaceflight orthostatic intolerance: possible relationship to microgravity-induced plasticity in the vestibular systemEven after short spaceflights, most astronauts experience at least some postflight reduction of orthostatic tolerance; this problem is severe in some subjects. The mechanisms leading to postflight orthostatic intolerance are not well-established, but have traditionally been thought to include the following: changes in leg hemodynamics, alterations in baroreceptor reflex gain, decreases in exercise tolerance and aerobic fitness, hypovolemia, and altered sensitivity of beta-adrenergic receptors in the periphery. Recent studies have demonstrated that signals from vestibular otolith organs play an important role in regulating blood pressure during changes in posture in a 1-g environment. Because spaceflight results in plastic changes in the vestibular otolith organs and in the processing of inputs from otolith receptors, it is possible that another contributing factor to postflight orthostatic hypotension is alterations in the gain of vestibular influences on cardiovascular control. Preliminary data support this hypothesis, although controlled studies will be required to determine the relationship between changes in the vestibular system and orthostatic hypotension following exposure to microgravity. Copyright 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.
Document ID
20040142190
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Yates, B. J.
(University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States)
Kerman, I. A.
Date Acquired
August 22, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1998
Publication Information
Publication: Brain research. Brain research reviews
Volume: 28
Issue: 2-Jan
ISSN: 0165-0173
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
ISSN: 0165-0173
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: RO1 DC03732
CONTRACT_GRANT: RO1 DC00693
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Neuroscience
Review, Tutorial
Review
Non-NASA Center
Posture/physiology
Vestibule/physiology
Neuronal Plasticity/physiology
Hypogravity
Space Flight
Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S
Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S
Human

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