Growth plates of rats flown aboard the Soviet biosatellites Cosmos 1887 and 2044 were analyzed using light and electron microscopy, and computerized planimetry. Area was significantly less in 1887 animals and collagen fibrils in flight animals were wider than in synchronous controls. The proliferative zone of flight animals was significantly higher and had more cells/column than controls; the hypertrophic/calcification zone was significantly reduced. Reserve zone height was reduced only on 1887. The total number of cells/column was significantly higher in 1887 flight rats only. Results represent both effects of microgravity exposure and initial stages of recovery from that exposure; and confirm previous observations of altered cell proliferation, differentiation and matrix organization in growth plates exposed to microgravity.
Altered Cartilage Differentiation in Tibial Epiphyseal Plates of Cosmos Rats
1990
5 pages
Report
No indication
English