Alterations in erythrocyte survival parameters in rats after 19.5 days aboard COSMOS 782

摘要

Rats were subjected to 19.5 of weightless space flight aboard the Soviet Biosatellite, Cosmos 782. The survival parameters of a cohort of erythrocytes labeled 15.5 days pre-flight based on the output of Co-14, were evaluated upon return from orbit. These were compared to vivarium control rats injected at the same time. Statistical evaluation indicates that all survival parameters were altered by the space flight. The mean potential life span which was 62.4 days in the control rats was decreased to 59.0 days in the flight rats, and random hemolysis was increased three-fold in the flight rats. The measured size of the cohort was decreased lending further support to the idea that hemolysis was accelerated during some portion of the flight. A number of factors were discussed which might be contributory to these changes. These factors include; forces associated with launch and re-entry, atmospheric and environmental parameters, dietary factors, radiation, and weightlessness.