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Immune responses in space flightSpace flight has been shown to have profound effects on immunological parameters of humans, monkeys and rodents. These studies have been carried out by a number of different laboratories. Among the parameters affected are leukocyte blastogenesis, natural killer cell activity, leukocyte subset distribution, cytokine production - including interferons and interleukins, and macrophage maturation and activity. These changes start to occur only after a few days space flight, and some changes continue throughout long-term space flight. Antibody responses have received only very limited study, and total antibody levels have been shown to be increased after long-term space flight. Several factors could be involved in inducing these changes. These factors could include microgravity, lack of load-bearing, stress, acceleration forces, and radiation. The mechanism(s) for space flight-induced changes in immune responses remain(s) to be established. Certainly, there can be direct effects of microgravity, or other factors, on cells that play a fundamental role in immune responses. However, it is now clear that there are interactions between the immune system and other physiological systems that could play a major role. For example, changes occurring in calcium use in the musculoskeletal system induced by microgravity or lack of use could have great impact on the immune system. Most of the changes in immune responses have been observed using samples taken immediately after return from space flight. However, there have been two recent studies that have used in-flight testing. Delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to common recall antigens of astronauts and cosmonauts have been shown to be decreased when tested during space flights. Additionally, natural killer cell and blastogenic activities are inhibited in samples taken from rats during space flight. Therefore, it is now clear that events occurring during space flight itself can affect immune responses. The biological significance of space flight-induced changes in immune parameters remains to be established; however, as duration of flights increases, the potential for difficulties due to impaired immune responses also increases.
Document ID
20040172583
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Sonnenfeld, G.
(Carolinas Medical Center Charlotte, NC, United States)
Date Acquired
August 22, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1998
Publication Information
Publication: International journal of sports medicine
Volume: 19 Suppl 3
ISSN: 0172-4622
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
manned
STS Shuttle Project
Review, Tutorial
Non-NASA Center
short duration
Cosmos Project
NASA Discipline Regulatory Physiology
Flight Experiment
unmanned
Review

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