Metabolic changes observed in astronauts.
J Clin Pharmacol
; 31(10): 921-7, 1991 Oct.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-1761722
ABSTRACT
Study of metabolic alterations that occur during space flight can provide insight into mechanisms of physiologic regulation. Results of medical experiments with astronauts reveal rapid loss of volume (2 L) from the legs and a transient early increase in left ventricular volume index. These findings indicate that, during space flight, fluid is redistributed from the legs toward the head. In about 2 days, total body water decreases 2 to 3%. Increased levels of plasma renin activity and antidiuretic hormone while blood sodium and plasma volume are reduced suggest that space flight-associated factors are influencing the regulatory systems. In addition to fluid and electrolyte loss. Skylab astronauts lost an estimated 0.3 kg of protein. Endocrine factors, including increased cortisol and thyroxine and decreased insulin, are favorable for protein catabolism. The body appears to adapt to weightlessness at some physiologic cost. Readaptation to Earth's gravity at landing becomes another physiologic challenge.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Space Flight
/
Metabolism
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
J Clin Pharmacol
Year:
1991
Document type:
Article