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Experimental Modification of Rat Pituitary Growth Hormone Cell Function During and After SpaceflightSpace-flown rats show a number of flight-induced changes in the structure and function of pituitary Growth Hormone (GH) cells after in vitro postflight testing. To evaluate the possible effects of microgravity on GH cells themselves, freshly dispersed rat anterior pituitary gland cells were seeded into vials containing serum +/- 1 micron HydroCortisone (HC) before flight. Five different cell preparations were used: the entire mixed-cell population of various hormone-producing cell types, cells of density less than 1.071 g/sq cm (band 1), cells of density greater than 1.071 g/sq cm (band 2), and cells prepared from either the dorsal or ventral part of the gland. Relative to ground control samples, bioactive GH released from dense cells during flight was reduced in HC-free medium but was increased in HC-containing medium. Band I and mixed cells usually showed opposite HC-dependent responses. Release of bioactive GH from ventral flight cells was lower; postflight responses to GH-releasing hormone challenge were reduced, and the cytoplasmic area occupied by GH in the dense cells was greater. Collectively, the data show that the chemistry and cellular makeup of the culture system modifies the response of GH cells to microgravity. As such, these cells offer a system to identify gravisensing mechanisms in secretory cells in future microgravity research.
Document ID
19970025924
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Hymer, W. C.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Salada, T.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Nye, P.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Grossman, E. J.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Lane, P. K.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Grindeland, R. E.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1996
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Applied Physiology
Volume: 80
Issue: 3
ISSN: 8750-7587
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
NASA-CR-205104
NAS 1.26:205104
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Society of Gravitational and Space Biology
Location: Washington, DC
Country: United States
Start Date: January 1, 1993
Accession Number
97N25360
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NCC2-370
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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