Scheck SH.
Am Zool. 1996; 36: 44A.
Loyola Marymount Univ., Los Angeles, USA. sscheck@lmumail.lmu.edu
Bone loss is associated with hormonal changes during menopause and by all vertebrates during space flight. Since little is known about female endocrinology during extended space flight, it is impossible to rule out microgravity-induced hormonal changes which may exacerbate ongoing bone loss. The effects of simulated microgravity on reproductive function in the rat has been documented for 4 estrous cycles using the tail suspension technique (TS). Plasma estradiol and progesterone in control and TS groups were similar on matched estrous days as were the morphology and histology of ovaries and endometria; indicative of intact reproductive function in a spontaneous ovulator subjected to TS. Although TS has been shown to accurately reflect testicular function in space-flown rats, its reliability as a model for female function remains to be validated in space flight.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Anatomy
- Animals
- Case-Control Studies
- Endocrinology
- Female
- Hindlimb Suspension
- Histology
- Models, Biological
- Muridae
- Organ Size
- Physiological Processes
- Rats
- Rats, Inbred Strains
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Rats, Wistar
- Space Flight
- Spermatogenesis
- Weightlessness
- Weightlessness Simulation
- anatomy & histology
- diagnosis
Other ID:
UI: 102222797
From Meeting Abstracts