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The effects of spaceflight on mammary metabolism in pregnant ratsThe effects of spaceflight on mammary metabolism of 10 pregnant rats was measured on Day 20 of pregnancy and after parturition. Rats were flown on the space shuttle from Day 11 through Day 20 of pregnancy. After their return to earth, glucose oxidation to carbon dioxide increased 43% (P < 0.05), and incorporation into fatty acids increased 300% (P < 0.005) compared to controls. It is unclear whether the enhanced glucose use is due to spaceflight or a response to landing. Casein mRNA and gross histology were not altered at Day 20 of pregnancy. Six rats gave birth (on Day 22 to 23 of pregnancy) and mammary metabolic activity was measured immediately postpartum. The earlier effects of spaceflight were no longer apparent. There was also no difference in expression of beta-casein mRNA. It is clear from these studies that spaceflight does not impair the normal development of the mammary gland, its ability to use glucose, nor the ability to express mRNA for a major milk protein.
Document ID
20040141809
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Plaut, K.
(University of Vermont Burlington 05405, United States)
Maple, R.
Vyas, C.
Munaim, S.
Darling, A.
Casey, T.
Alberts, J. R.
Date Acquired
August 22, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1999
Publication Information
Publication: Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine. Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine (New York, N. Y.)
Volume: 222
Issue: 1
ISSN: 0037-9727
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Flight Experiment
short duration
NASA Experiment Number 9303031 2/2
Non-NASA Center
NASA Discipline Developmental Biology
STS-70 Shuttle Project
manned

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