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Pineal physiology in microgravity - Relation to rat gonadal function aboard Cosmos 1887Results are reported from an analysis of pineal glands obtained for five male rats flown aboard an orbiting satellite for their melatonin, serotonin (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIA), and calcium content. Plasma 5-HT and 5-HIAA were measured. These parameters were compared to indicators of gonadal function: plasma testosterone concentration and spermatogonia development. Plasma melotonin was found to be low at the time of euthanasia and was not different among the experimental groups. Pineal calcium of flight animals was not different from ground controls. Pineal 5-HT and 5-HIAA in the flight group were significantly higher than those in ground controls. These findings suggest a possible increase in pineal 5-HT turnover in flight animals which may result in increased melatonin secretion. It is argued that the alteration of pinal 5-HT turnover and its expected effects on melatonin secretion may partially explain the lower plasma testosterone levels and 4-11 percent fewer spermatogonia cells observed in flight animals.
Document ID
19910069268
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Holley, Daniel C.
(San Jose State Univ. CA, United States)
Markley, Carol L.
(San Jose State University CA, United States)
Soliman, Magdi R. I.
(San Jose State Univ. CA, United States)
Kaddis, Farida
(Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Tallahassee, United States)
Krasnov, Igor'
(Institut Mediko-Biologicheskikh Problem Moscow, Ussr)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
Volume: 62
ISSN: 0095-6562
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Accession Number
91A53891
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASA ORDER A-53751-C
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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