[Changes of endogenous ouabain in rat serum and certain tissues after exposure to simulated weightlessness].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of endogenous ouabain (EO) in rat serum and some tissues after exposure to simulated weightlessness and to investigate its possible pathophysiology. METHOD: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group (Con) and 1 week tail-suspension group (TS). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the content of EO in serum, hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal gland, kidney, heart and liver. RESULT: Compared with Con, EO increased significantly in serum, hypothalamus, adrenal gland and kidney after tail suspension (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Simulated weightlessness induced changes of EO in serum and some tissues, which may have some effects on the regulation of hydro-electrolyte metabolism and cardiovascular functions.