Light and electron microscopy studies were carried out on decalcified tibial epiphyseal plates of rats flown aboard Cosmos 1887 (12.5d flight plus 53.5h recovery). Analysis of variance showed that the proliferative zone of flight animals was significantly higher than that of synchronous controls, while the hypertrophic/calcification zone was significantly reduced. Flight animals had more cells than synchronous controls in the proliferative zone, and less in the hypertrophic/calcification region. The total number of cells, however, was significantly higher in flight animals. No differences were found for perimeter or shape factor of growth plates, but area was significantly lower in flight animals in comparison to synchronous controls. Collagen fibrils in flight animals were shorter and wider than in synchronous controls. The time required for a cell to cycle through the growth plate is 2 to 3 days, so most of the cells and matrix present were formed after the animals had returned to 1 g, and probably represent stages of recovery from microgravity exposure, which in itself is an interesting question.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Experiment K-6-06. Morphometric and EM analyses of tibial epiphyseal plates from Cosmos 1887 rats


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    1990-02-01


    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English





    Altered Cartilage Differentiation in Tibial Epiphyseal Plates of Cosmos Rats

    P. J. Duke / G. Durnova / D. Montufar-solis | NTIS | 1990


    An unusual proximal tibial epiphyseal injury

    Hartley, J.E. / Ricketts, D.M. | Elsevier | 1993


    Spaceflight and age affect tibial epiphyseal growth plate histomorphometry

    Montufar-Solis, Dina / Duke, Pauline J. / Durnova, G. | NTRS | 1992