Norepinephrine content in discrete brain areas and neurohypophysial vasopressin in rats after a 9-d spaceflight (SLS-1).

The norepinephrine (NE) content in discrete brain areas and the vasopressin content in the neurohypophysial system were assessed in rats after a 9-d spaceflight and after a recovery period (9 d). The NE content in the locus coeruleus decreased significantly in spaceflight rats (2.9 +/- 0.3 vs. 8.9 +/- 0.7 pmol.structure-1 for control rats, p < 0.001), but showed no difference between control and flight animals after a 9-d recovery. These findings were probably due to an acute stress undergone during landing. The NE content was unchanged in the A2 and A5 cell groups. In rats flown aboard SLS-1, the vasopressin content was increased in the posterior pituitary (1.47 +/- 0.1 vs. 0.86 +/- 0.1 micrograms.structure-1, for control rats, p < 0.01), and was significantly decreased in the hypothalamus (8.95 +/- 2.0 vs. 17.6 +/- 2.2 ng.structure-1, for control rats, p < 0.05). We conclude that the NE depletion in the locus coeruleus and the alteration in vasopressin release were consistent with an acute stress, likely occurring during and/or after landing. These changes tend to mask the actual neuroendocrine modifications caused by microgravity.

Internet technologies and requirements for telemedicine.

Internet technologies are briefly introduced and those applicable for telemedicine are reviewed. Multicast internet technologies are described. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 'Telemedicine Space-bridge to Russia' project is described and used to derive requirements for internet telemedicine. Telemedicine privacy and Quality of Service (QoS) requirements are described.