Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
2
pubmed:dateCreated
1998-2-18
pubmed:abstractText
Our research examines the role of the environment in postnatal nervous system development. Recently we have been studying the effects of changes in gravity on the motor system of rats from postnatal day (P) 2 to 31 using kinematic analysis of swimming, walking, and righting reflexes. Using the tail suspension model of weightlessness we identified sensitive and critical periods of motor system development corresponding to the time during which a motor skill is first achieved. Motor performance in suspended animals was marked by slow swimming, walking, and air-righting, all of which were characterized by hindlimb extension. (Walton et al, Neurosci. 52,763,1992). The critical periods identified in these studies contributed to determining the age of animals for a small payload, NIH.R3. This 9-day mission (STS-72) included 2 litters at P5, P7, or P15 at launch. The P7-16 and P15-24 groups were studied post-flight. On the landing day (R+0) surface righting, swimming and walking were slower in flight compared to control animals. Differences were more marked in the younger animals and the hindlimbs were more affected than the forelimbs with marked, prolonged extension of, at least, the ankle joint angle. Readaptation to 1G was slower in the P7-16 group with righting reflexes adapting first, walking last. We have shown that gravity is an important factor in postnatal nervous system development and that its affect depends on the age of the animal, duration of the perturbation, and the motor function studied.
pubmed:grant
pubmed:keyword
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
S
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Jun
pubmed:issn
1089-988X
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
10
pubmed:owner
NASA
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
111-8
pubmed:dateRevised
2009-4-8
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1997
pubmed:articleTitle
Changes in gravity influence rat postnatal motor system development: from simulation to space flight.
pubmed:affiliation
Dept. of Physiology & Biophysics, NYU Medical Center 10016, USA.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.