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Calcagno G, Ouzren N, Kaminski S, Ghislin S, Frippiat JP. Chronic Hypergravity Induces a Modification of Histone H3 Lysine 27 Trimethylation at TCRβ Locus in Murine Thymocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137133. [PMID: 35806138 PMCID: PMC9267123 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gravity changes are major stressors encountered during spaceflight that affect the immune system. We previously evidenced that hypergravity exposure during gestation affects the TCRβ repertoire of newborn pups. To identify the mechanisms underlying this observation, we studied post-translational histone modifications. We first showed that among the four studied post-translational histone H3 modifications, only lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) is downregulated in the thymus of mice exposed to 2× g for 21 days. We then asked whether the TCRβ locus chromatin structure is altered by hypergravity exposure. ChIP studies performed on four Vβ segments of the murine double-negative SCIET27 thymic cell line, which corresponds to the last maturation stage before V(D)J recombination, revealed increases in H3K27me3 after 2× g exposure. Finally, we evaluated the implication for the EZH2 methyltransferase in the regulation of the H3K27me3 level at these Vβ segments by treating SCIET27 cells with the GSK126-specific inhibitor. These experiments showed that the downregulation of H3K27me3 contributes to the regulation of the Vβ germline transcript expression that precedes V(D)J recombination. These data show that modifications of H3K27me3 at the TCRβ locus likely contribute to an explanation of why the TCR repertoire is affected by gravity changes and imply, for the first time, EZH2 in the regulation of the TCRβ locus chromatin structure.
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Markina EA, Alekseeva OY, Andreeva ER, Buravkova LB. Short-Term Reloading After Prolonged Unloading Ensures Restoration of Stromal but Not Hematopoietic Precursor Activity in Tibia Bone Marrow of C57Bl/6N Mice. Stem Cells Dev 2021; 30:1228-1240. [PMID: 34714129 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2021.0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone and muscle tissues are mostly susceptible to different kinds of hypodynamia, including real and simulated microgravity (sμg). To evaluate the effect of sμg on bone marrow (BM), male C57Bl/6N mice were divided into three groups: vivarium control (VC), 30-day hindlimb suspension (HS), and subsequent 12-h short-term support reloading (RL). The effects on BM total mononucleated cells (MNCs) as well as stromal and hematopoietic progenitors from murine tibia were studied. The number of BM MNCs, immunophenotype, proliferation, colony-forming units (CFUs), differentiation and secretory activity of hematopoietic and stromal BM cells were determined. HS led to a twofold decrease in MNCs, alteration of surface molecule expression profiles, suppression of proliferative activity of BM cells, and change of soluble mediators' levels. The stromal compartment was characterized by a decrease of CFU of fibroblasts and suppression of spontaneous osteo-commitment after HS. Among the hematopoietic precursors, a decrease in the total number of CFUs was found mainly at the expense of suppression of CFU-GM and CFU-GEMM. After RL, restoration of the stromal precursor's functional activity to control levels and overabundance of paracrine mediator's production were detected, whereas the complete recovery of hematopoietic precursor's activity did not occur. These data demonstrate the fast functional reaction of the stromal compartment on restoration of loading support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena A Markina
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Olga Y Alekseeva
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Elena R Andreeva
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Ludmila B Buravkova
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
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Validation of Methods to Assess the Immunoglobulin Gene Repertoire in Tissues Obtained from Mice on the International Space Station. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/gsr-2017-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Spaceflight is known to affect immune cell populations. In particular, splenic B-cell numbers decrease during spaceflight and in ground-based physiological models. Although antibody isotype changes have been assessed during and after spaceflight, an extensive characterization of the impact of spaceflight on antibody composition has not been conducted in mice. Next Generation Sequencing and bioinformatic tools are now available to assess antibody repertoires. We can now identify immunoglobulin gene-segment usage, junctional regions, and modifications that contribute to specificity and diversity. Due to limitations on the International Space Station, alternate sample collection and storage methods must be employed. Our group compared Illumina MiSeq® sequencing data from multiple sample preparation methods in normal C57Bl/6J mice to validate that sample preparation and storage would not bias the outcome of antibody repertoire characterization. In this report, we also compared sequencing techniques and a bioinformatic workflow on the data output when we assessed the IgH and Igκ variable gene usage. Our bioinformatic workflow has been optimized for Illumina HiSeq® and MiSeq® datasets, and is designed specifically to reduce bias, capture the most information from Ig sequences, and produce a data set that provides other data mining options.
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Qaisar R, Karim A, Elmoselhi AB. Muscle unloading: A comparison between spaceflight and ground-based models. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2020; 228:e13431. [PMID: 31840423 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged unloading of skeletal muscle, a common outcome of events such as spaceflight, bed rest and hindlimb unloading, can result in extensive metabolic, structural and functional changes in muscle fibres. With advancement in investigations of cellular and molecular mechanisms, understanding of disuse muscle atrophy has significantly increased. However, substantial gaps exist in our understanding of the processes dictating muscle plasticity during unloading, which prevent us from developing effective interventions to combat muscle loss. This review aims to update the status of knowledge and underlying mechanisms leading to cellular and molecular changes in skeletal muscle during unloading. We have also discussed advances in the understanding of contractile dysfunction during spaceflights and in ground-based models of muscle unloading. Additionally, we have elaborated on potential therapeutic interventions that show promising results in boosting muscle mass and strength during mechanical unloading. Finally, we have identified key gaps in our knowledge as well as possible research direction for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizwan Qaisar
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences College of Medicine University of Sharjah Sharjah UAE
| | - Asima Karim
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences College of Medicine University of Sharjah Sharjah UAE
| | - Adel B. Elmoselhi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences College of Medicine University of Sharjah Sharjah UAE
- Department of Physiology Michigan State University East Lansing MI USA
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Raber J, Yamazaki J, Torres ERS, Kirchoff N, Stagaman K, Sharpton T, Turker MS, Kronenberg A. Combined Effects of Three High-Energy Charged Particle Beams Important for Space Flight on Brain, Behavioral and Cognitive Endpoints in B6D2F1 Female and Male Mice. Front Physiol 2019; 10:179. [PMID: 30914962 PMCID: PMC6422905 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The radiation environment in deep space includes the galactic cosmic radiation with different proportions of all naturally occurring ions from protons to uranium. Most experimental animal studies for assessing the biological effects of charged particles have involved acute dose delivery for single ions and/or fractionated exposure protocols. Here, we assessed the behavioral and cognitive performance of female and male C57BL/6J × DBA2/J F1 (B6D2F1) mice 2 months following rapidly delivered, sequential irradiation with protons (1 GeV, 60%), 16O (250 MeV/n, 20%), and 28Si (263 MeV/n, 20%) at 0, 25, 50, or 200 cGy at 4-6 months of age. Cortical BDNF, CD68, and MAP-2 levels were analyzed 3 months after irradiation or sham irradiation. During the dark period, male mice irradiated with 50 cGy showed higher activity levels in the home cage than sham-irradiated mice. Mice irradiated with 50 cGy also showed increased depressive behavior in the forced swim test. When cognitive performance was assessed, sham-irradiated mice of both sexes and mice irradiated with 25 cGy showed normal responses to object recognition and novel object exploration. However, object recognition was impaired in female and male mice irradiated with 50 or 200 cGy. For cortical levels of the neurotrophic factor BDNF and the marker of microglial activation CD68, there were sex × radiation interactions. In females, but not males, there were increased CD68 levels following irradiation. In males, but not females, there were reduced BDNF levels following irradiation. A significant positive correlation between BDNF and CD68 levels was observed, suggesting a role for activated microglia in the alterations in BDNF levels. Finally, sequential beam irradiation impacted the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome. These included dose-dependent impacts and alterations to the relative abundance of several gut genera, such as Butyricicoccus and Lachnospiraceae. Thus, exposure to rapidly delivered sequential proton, 16O ion, and 28Si ion irradiation significantly affects behavioral and cognitive performance, cortical levels of CD68 and BDNF in a sex-dependent fashion, and the gut microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,Department of Radiation Medicine, Division of Neuroscience ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Joy Yamazaki
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Eileen Ruth S Torres
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Nicole Kirchoff
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Keaton Stagaman
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Thomas Sharpton
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States.,Department of Statistics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Mitchell S Turker
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Amy Kronenberg
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
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Rettig TA, Bye BA, Nishiyama NC, Hlavacek S, Ward C, Pecaut MJ, Chapes SK. Effects of skeletal unloading on the antibody repertoire of tetanus toxoid and/or CpG treated C57BL/6J mice. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210284. [PMID: 30653556 PMCID: PMC6336310 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight affects the immune system, but the effects on the antibody repertoire, responsible for humoral immunity, has not been well explored. In particular, the complex gene assembly and expression process; including mutations, might make this process vulnerable. Complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3), composed of parts of the V-(D-)J-gene segments, is very important for antigen binding and can be used as an important measure of variability. Skeletal unloading, and the physiological effects of it, parallel many impacts of space flight. Therefore, we explored the impact of skeletal unloading using the antiorthostatic suspension (AOS) model. Animals were experimentally challenged with tetanus toxoid (TT) and/or the adjuvant CpG. Blood was analyzed for anti-TT antibody and corticosterone concentrations. Whole spleen tissue was prepared for repertoire characterization. AOS animals showed higher levels of corticosterone levels, but AOS alone did not affect anti-TT serum antibody levels. Administration of CpG significantly increased the circulating anti-TT antibody concentrations. AOS did alter constant gene usage resulting in higher levels of IgM and lower levels of IgG. CpG also altered constant gene region usage increasing usage of IgA. Significant changes could be detected in multiple V-, D-, and J-gene segments in both the heavy and light chains in response to AOS, TT, and CpG treatments. Analysis of class-switched only transcripts revealed a different pattern of V-gene segment usage than detected in the whole repertoire and also showed significant alterations in gene segment usage after challenge. Alterations in V/J pairing were also detected in response to challenge. CDR3 amino acid sequence overlaps were similar among treatment groups, though the addition of CpG lowered overlap in the heavy chain. We isolated 3,045 whole repertoire and 98 potentially TT-specific CDR3 sequences for the heavy chain and 569 for the light chain. Our results demonstrate that AOS alters the repertoire response to challenge with TT and/or CpG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha A. Rettig
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Bailey A. Bye
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Nina C. Nishiyama
- Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
| | - Savannah Hlavacek
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Claire Ward
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Pecaut
- Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
| | - Stephen K. Chapes
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
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Ward C, Rettig TA, Hlavacek S, Bye BA, Pecaut MJ, Chapes SK. Effects of spaceflight on the immunoglobulin repertoire of unimmunized C57BL/6 mice. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2018; 16:63-75. [PMID: 29475521 PMCID: PMC5826609 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Spaceflight has been shown to suppress the adaptive immune response, altering the distribution and function of lymphocyte populations. B lymphocytes express highly specific and highly diversified receptors, known as immunoglobulins (Ig), that directly bind and neutralize pathogens. Ig diversity is achieved through the enzymatic splicing of gene segments within the genomic DNA of each B cell in a host. The collection of Ig specificities within a host, or Ig repertoire, has been increasingly characterized in both basic research and clinical settings using high-throughput sequencing technology (HTS). We utilized HTS to test the hypothesis that spaceflight affects the B-cell repertoire. To test this hypothesis, we characterized the impact of spaceflight on the unimmunized Ig repertoire of C57BL/6 mice that were flown aboard the International Space Station (ISS) during the Rodent Research One validation flight in comparison to ground controls. Individual gene segment usage was similar between ground control and flight animals, however, gene segment combinations and the junctions in which gene segments combine was varied among animals within and between treatment groups. We also found that spontaneous somatic mutations in the IgH and Igκ gene loci were not increased. These data suggest that space flight did not affect the B cell repertoire of mice flown and housed on the ISS over a short period of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Ward
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 1717 Claflin Rd, 116 Ackert Hall, Manhattan, KS 66502, United States
| | - Trisha A Rettig
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 1717 Claflin Rd, 116 Ackert Hall, Manhattan, KS 66502, United States
| | - Savannah Hlavacek
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 1717 Claflin Rd, 116 Ackert Hall, Manhattan, KS 66502, United States
| | - Bailey A Bye
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 1717 Claflin Rd, 116 Ackert Hall, Manhattan, KS 66502, United States
| | - Michael J Pecaut
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University, 11021 Campus St. Rm 101, Loma Linda, CA 92350, United States
| | - Stephen K Chapes
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 1717 Claflin Rd, 116 Ackert Hall, Manhattan, KS 66502, United States.
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Is spaceflight-induced immune dysfunction linked to systemic changes in metabolism? PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174174. [PMID: 28542224 PMCID: PMC5443495 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Space Shuttle Atlantis launched on its final mission (STS-135) on July 8, 2011. After just under 13 days, the shuttle landed safely at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) for the last time. Female C57BL/6J mice flew as part of the Commercial Biomedical Testing Module-3 (CBTM-3) payload. Ground controls were maintained at the KSC facility. Subsets of these mice were made available to investigators as part of NASA’s Bio-specimen Sharing Program (BSP). Our group characterized cell phenotype distributions and phagocytic function in the spleen, catecholamine and corticosterone levels in the adrenal glands, and transcriptomics/metabolomics in the liver. Despite decreases in most splenic leukocyte subsets, there were increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related activity. Although there were increases noted in corticosterone levels in both the adrenals and liver, there were no significant changes in catecholamine levels. Furthermore, functional analysis of gene expression and metabolomic profiles suggest that the functional changes are not due to oxidative or psychological stress. Despite changes in gene expression patterns indicative of increases in phagocytic activity (e.g. endocytosis and formation of peroxisomes), there was no corresponding increase in genes related to ROS metabolism. In contrast, there were increases in expression profiles related to fatty acid oxidation with decreases in glycolysis-related profiles. Given the clear link between immune function and metabolism in many ground-based diseases, we propose a similar link may be involved in spaceflight-induced decrements in immune and metabolic function.
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Hormetic Effect of Chronic Hypergravity in a Mouse Model of Allergic Asthma and Rhinitis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27260. [PMID: 27251783 PMCID: PMC4890117 DOI: 10.1038/srep27260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the effect of chronic hypergravity in a mouse model of allergic asthma and rhinitis. Forty BALB/c mice were divided as: group A (n = 10, control) sensitized and challenged with saline, group B (n = 10, asthma) challenged by intraperitoneal and intranasal ovalbumin (OVA) to induce allergic asthma and rhinitis, and groups C (n = 10, asthma/rotatory control) and D (n = 10, asthma/hypergravity) exposed to 4 weeks of rotation with normogravity (1G) or hypergravity (5G) during induction of asthma/rhinitis. Group D showed significantly decreased eosinophils, neutrophils, and lymphocytes in their BAL fluid compared with groups B and C (p < 0.05). In real-time polymerase chain reaction using lung homogenate, the expression of IL-1β was significantly upregulated (p < 0.001) and IL-4 and IL-10 significantly downregulated (p < 0.05) in group D. Infiltration of inflammatory cells into lung parenchyma and turbinate, and the thickness of respiratory epithelium was significantly reduced in group D (p < 0.05). The expression of Bcl-2 and heme oxygenase-1 were significantly downregulated, Bax and extracellular dismutase significantly upregulated in Group D. Therefore, chronic hypergravity could have a hormetic effect for allergic asthma and rhinitis via regulation of genes involved in antioxidative and proapoptotic pathways. It is possible that we could use hypergravity machinery for treating allergic respiratory disorders.
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Globus RK, Morey-Holton E. Hindlimb unloading: rodent analog for microgravity. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2016; 120:1196-206. [PMID: 26869711 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00997.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The rodent hindlimb unloading (HU) model was developed in the 1980s to make it possible to study mechanisms, responses, and treatments for the adverse consequences of spaceflight. Decades before development of the HU model, weightlessness was predicted to yield deficits in the principal tissues responsible for structure and movement on Earth, primarily muscle and bone. Indeed, results from early spaceflight and HU experiments confirmed the expected sensitivity of the musculoskeletal system to gravity loading. Results from human and animal spaceflight and HU experiments show that nearly all organ systems and tissues studied display some measurable changes, albeit sometimes minor and of uncertain relevance to astronaut health. The focus of this review is to examine key HU results for various organ systems including those related to stress; the immune, cardiovascular, and nervous systems; vision changes; and wound healing. Analysis of the validity of the HU model is important given its potential value for both hypothesis testing and countermeasure development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth K Globus
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA-Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
| | - Emily Morey-Holton
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA-Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
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Post-Spaceflight (STS-135) Mouse Splenocytes Demonstrate Altered Activation Properties and Surface Molecule Expression. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124380. [PMID: 25970640 PMCID: PMC4430214 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in immune function have been documented during or post-spaceflight and in ground based models of microgravity. Identification of immune parameters that are dysregulated during spaceflight is an important step in mitigating crew health risks during deep space missions. The in vitro analysis of leukocyte activity post-spaceflight in both human and animal species is primarily focused on lymphocytic function. This report completes a broader spectrum analysis of mouse lymphocyte and monocyte changes post 13 days orbital flight (mission STS-135). Analysis includes an examination in surface markers for cell activation, and antigen presentation and co-stimulatory molecules. Cytokine production was measured after stimulation with T-cell mitogen or TLR-2, TLR-4, or TLR-5 agonists. Splenocyte surface marker analysis immediate post-spaceflight and after in vitro culture demonstrated unique changes in phenotypic populations between the flight mice and matched treatment ground controls. Post-spaceflight splenocytes (flight splenocytes) had lower expression intensity of CD4+CD25+ and CD8+CD25+ cells, lower percentage of CD11c+MHC II+ cells, and higher percentage of CD11c+MHC I+ populations compared to ground controls. The flight splenocytes demonstrated an increase in phagocytic activity. Stimulation with ConA led to decrease in CD4+ population but increased CD4+CD25+ cells compared to ground controls. Culturing with TLR agonists led to a decrease in CD11c+ population in splenocytes isolated from flight mice compared to ground controls. Consequently, flight splenocytes with or without TLR-agonist stimulation showed a decrease in CD11c+MHC I+, CD11c+MHC II+, and CD11c+CD86+ cells compared to ground controls. Production of IFN-γ was decreased and IL-2 was increased from ConA stimulated flight splenocytes. This study demonstrated that expression of surface molecules can be affected by conditions of spaceflight and impaired responsiveness persists under culture conditions in vitro.
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Ghislin S, Ouzren-Zarhloul N, Kaminski S, Frippiat JP. Hypergravity exposure during gestation modifies the TCRβ repertoire of newborn mice. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9318. [PMID: 25792033 PMCID: PMC5380131 DOI: 10.1038/srep09318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
During spaceflight, organisms are subjected to mechanical force changes (gravity (G) changes) that affect the immune system. However, gravitational effects on lymphopoiesis have rarely been studied. Consequently, we investigated whether the TCRβ repertoire, created by V(D)J recombination during T lymphopoiesis, is affected by hypergravity exposure during murine development. To address this question, C57BL/6j mice were mated in a centrifuge so that embryonic development, birth and TCRβ rearrangements occurred at 2G. Pups were sacrificed at birth, and their thymus used to quantify transcripts coding for factors required for V(D)J recombination and T lymphopoiesis. We also created cDNA mini-libraries of TCRβ transcripts to study the impact of hypergravity on TCRβ diversity. Our data show that hypergravity exposure increases the transcription of TCRβ chains, and of genes whose products are involved in TCR signaling, and affects the V(D)J recombination process. We also observed that ~85% of the TCRβ repertoire is different between hypergravity and control pups. These data indicate that changing a mechanical force (the gravity) during ontogeny will likely affect host immunity because properties of loops constituting TCR antigen-binding sites are modified in hypergravity newborns. The spectrum of peptides recognized by TCR will therefore likely be different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Ghislin
- EA7300, Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Lorraine University, F-54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Nassima Ouzren-Zarhloul
- EA7300, Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Lorraine University, F-54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Sandra Kaminski
- EA7300, Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Lorraine University, F-54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- EA7300, Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Lorraine University, F-54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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Gaignier F, Schenten V, De Carvalho Bittencourt M, Gauquelin-Koch G, Frippiat JP, Legrand-Frossi C. Three weeks of murine hindlimb unloading induces shifts from B to T and from th to tc splenic lymphocytes in absence of stress and differentially reduces cell-specific mitogenic responses. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92664. [PMID: 24664102 PMCID: PMC3963916 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Extended space missions are known to induce stress and immune dysregulation. Hindlimb unloading is a ground-based model used to reproduce most spaceflight conditions. The aim of this study was to better characterize the consequences of prolonged exposure to hindlimb unloading on murine splenic lymphocyte sub-populations. To ensure that the observed changes were not due to tail restraint but to the antiorthostatic position, three groups of mice were used: control (C), orthostatic restrained (R) and hindlimb unloaded (HU). After 21 days of exposure, no difference in serum corticosterone levels nor in thymus and spleen weights were observed between HU mice and their counterparts, revealing a low state of stress. Interestingly, flow cytometric analyses showed that B cells were drastically reduced in HU mouse spleens by 59% and, while the T cells number did not change, the Th/Tc ratio was decreased. Finally, the use of a fluorescent dye monitoring lymphoproliferation demonstrated that lymphocyte response to mitogen was reduced in Th and Tc populations and to a greater extent in B cells. Thus, we showed for the first time that, even if restraint has its own effects on the animals and their splenic lymphocytes, the prolonged antiorthostatic position leads, despite the absence of stress, to an inversion of the B/T ratio in the spleen. Furthermore, the lymphoproliferative response was impaired with a strong impact on B cells. Altogether, these results suggest that B cells are more affected by hindlimb unloading than T cells which may explain the high susceptibility to pathogens, such as gram-negative bacteria, described in animal models and astronauts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Gaignier
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, EA7300, Lorraine University, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Véronique Schenten
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, EA7300, Lorraine University, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | | | | | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, EA7300, Lorraine University, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Christine Legrand-Frossi
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, EA7300, Lorraine University, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
- * E-mail:
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14
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Contribution of the urodele amphibian Pleurodeles waltl to the analysis of spaceflight-associated immune system deregulation. Mol Immunol 2013; 56:434-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2013.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Gridley DS, Mao XW, Stodieck LS, Ferguson VL, Bateman TA, Moldovan M, Cunningham CE, Jones TA, Slater JM, Pecaut MJ. Changes in mouse thymus and spleen after return from the STS-135 mission in space. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75097. [PMID: 24069384 PMCID: PMC3777930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous results with flight (FLT) mice showed abnormalities in thymuses and spleens that have potential to compromise immune defense mechanisms. In this study, the organs were further evaluated in C57BL/6 mice after Space Shuttle Atlantis returned from a 13-day mission. Thymuses and spleens were harvested from FLT mice and ground controls housed in similar animal enclosure modules (AEM). Organ and body mass, DNA fragmentation and expression of genes related to T cells and cancer were determined. Although significance was not obtained for thymus mass, DNA fragmentation was greater in the FLT group (P<0.01). Spleen mass alone and relative to body mass was significantly decreased in FLT mice (P<0.05). In FLT thymuses, 6/84 T cell-related genes were affected versus the AEM control group (P<0.05; up: IL10, Il18bp, Il18r1, Spp1; down: Ccl7, IL6); 15/84 cancer-related genes had altered expression (P<0.05; up: Casp8, FGFR2, Figf, Hgf, IGF1, Itga4, Ncam1, Pdgfa, Pik3r1, Serpinb2, Sykb; down: Cdc25a, E2F1, Mmp9, Myc). In the spleen, 8/84 cancer-related genes were affected in FLT mice compared to AEM controls (P<0.05; up: Cdkn2a; down: Birc5, Casp8, Ctnnb1, Map2k1, Mdm2, NFkB1, Pdgfa). Pathway analysis (apoptosis signaling and checkpoint regulation) was used to map relationships among the cancer–related genes. The results showed that a relatively short mission in space had a significant impact on both organs. The findings also indicate that immune system aberrations due to stressors associated with space travel should be included when estimating risk for pathologies such as cancer and infection and in designing appropriate countermeasures. Although this was the historic last flight of NASA’s Space Shuttle Program, exploration of space will undoubtedly continue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daila S. Gridley
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Xiao Wen Mao
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
| | - Louis S. Stodieck
- BioServe Space Technologies, Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Virginia L. Ferguson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Ted A. Bateman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Maria Moldovan
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
| | - Christopher E. Cunningham
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
| | - Tamako A. Jones
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
| | - Jerry M. Slater
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Pecaut
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
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McCarville JL, Clarke ST, Shastri P, Liu Y, Kalmokoff M, Brooks SPJ, Green-Johnson JM. Spaceflight influences both mucosal and peripheral cytokine production in PTN-Tg and wild type mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68961. [PMID: 23874826 PMCID: PMC3707889 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight is associated with several health issues including diminished immune efficiency. Effects of long-term spaceflight on selected immune parameters of wild type (Wt) and transgenic mice over-expressing pleiotrophin under the human bone-specific osteocalcin promoter (PTN-Tg) were examined using the novel Mouse Drawer System (MDS) aboard the International Space Station (ISS) over a 91 day period. Effects of this long duration flight on PTN-Tg and Wt mice were determined in comparison to ground controls and vivarium-housed PTN-Tg and Wt mice. Levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) were measured in mucosal and systemic tissues of Wt and PTN-Tg mice. Colonic contents were also analyzed to assess potential effects on the gut microbiota, although no firm conclusions could be made due to constraints imposed by the MDS payload and the time of sampling. Spaceflight-associated differences were observed in colonic tissue and systemic lymph node levels of IL-2 and TGF-β1 relative to ground controls. Total colonic TGF-β1 levels were lower in Wt and PTN-Tg flight mice in comparison to ground controls. The Wt flight mouse had lower levels of IL-2 and TGF-β1 compared to the Wt ground control in both the inguinal and brachial lymph nodes, however this pattern was not consistently observed in PTN-Tg mice. Vivarium-housed Wt controls had higher levels of active TGF-β1 and IL-2 in inguinal lymph nodes relative to PTN-Tg mice. The results of this study suggest compartmentalized effects of spaceflight and on immune parameters in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin L. McCarville
- Applied Bioscience Graduate Program and Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sandra T. Clarke
- Applied Bioscience Graduate Program and Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Padmaja Shastri
- Applied Bioscience Graduate Program and Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yi Liu
- Università degil Studi di Genova, Dipartimento di Oncologia, Biologia e Genetica, Genova, Italy
- Istituo Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genova, Italy
| | - Martin Kalmokoff
- Atlantic Food and Horticulture Research Center, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Julia M. Green-Johnson
- Applied Bioscience Graduate Program and Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Zhou Y, Ni H, Li M, Sanzari JK, Diffenderfer ES, Lin L, Kennedy AR, Weissman D. Effect of solar particle event radiation and hindlimb suspension on gastrointestinal tract bacterial translocation and immune activation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e44329. [PMID: 23028522 PMCID: PMC3446907 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The environmental conditions that could lead to an increased risk for the development of an infection during prolonged space flight include: microgravity, stress, radiation, disturbance of circadian rhythms, and altered nutritional intake. A large body of literature exists on the impairment of the immune system by space flight. With the advent of missions outside the Earth's magnetic field, the increased risk of adverse effects due to exposure to radiation from a solar particle event (SPE) needs to be considered. Using models of reduced gravity and SPE radiation, we identify that either 2 Gy of radiation or hindlimb suspension alone leads to activation of the innate immune system and the two together are synergistic. The mechanism for the transient systemic immune activation is a reduced ability of the GI tract to contain bacterial products. The identification of mechanisms responsible for immune dysfunction during extended space missions will allow the development of specific countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Houping Ni
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Minghong Li
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jenine K. Sanzari
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Eric S. Diffenderfer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Liyong Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ann R. Kennedy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Drew Weissman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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18
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Guéguinou N, Huin-Schohn C, Bascove M, Bueb JL, Tschirhart E, Legrand-Frossi C, Frippiat JP. Could spaceflight-associated immune system weakening preclude the expansion of human presence beyond Earth's orbit? J Leukoc Biol 2009; 86:1027-38. [DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0309167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Baqai FP, Gridley DS, Slater JM, Luo-Owen X, Stodieck LS, Ferguson V, Chapes SK, Pecaut MJ. Effects of spaceflight on innate immune function and antioxidant gene expression. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2009; 106:1935-42. [PMID: 19342437 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.91361.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight conditions have a significant impact on a number of physiological functions due to psychological stress, radiation, and reduced gravity. To explore the effect of the flight environment on immunity, C57BL/6NTac mice were flown on a 13-day space shuttle mission (STS-118). In response to flight, animals had a reduction in liver, spleen, and thymus masses compared with ground (GRD) controls (P < 0.005). Splenic lymphocyte, monocyte/macrophage, and granulocyte counts were significantly reduced in the flight (FLT) mice (P < 0.05). Although spontaneous blastogenesis of splenocytes in FLT mice was increased, response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a B-cell mitogen derived from Escherichia coli, was decreased compared with GRD mice (P < 0.05). Secretion of IL-6 and IL-10, but not TNF-alpha, by LPS-stimulated splenocytes was increased in FLT mice (P < 0.05). Finally, many of the genes responsible for scavenging reactive oxygen species were upregulated after flight. These data indicate that exposure to the spaceflight environment can increase anti-inflammatory mechanisms and change the ex vivo response to LPS, a bacterial product associated with septic shock and a prominent Th1 response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz P Baqai
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
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20
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Gridley DS, Slater JM, Luo-Owen X, Rizvi A, Chapes SK, Stodieck LS, Ferguson VL, Pecaut MJ. Spaceflight effects on T lymphocyte distribution, function and gene expression. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2008; 106:194-202. [PMID: 18988762 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.91126.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system is highly sensitive to stressors present during spaceflight. The major emphasis of this study was on the T lymphocytes in C57BL/6NTac mice after return from a 13-day space shuttle mission (STS-118). Spleens and thymuses from flight animals (FLT) and ground controls similarly housed in animal enclosure modules (AEM) were evaluated within 3-6 h after landing. Phytohemagglutinin-induced splenocyte DNA synthesis was significantly reduced in FLT mice when based on both counts per minute and stimulation indexes (P < 0.05). Flow cytometry showed that CD3(+) T and CD19(+) B cell counts were low in spleens from the FLT group, whereas the number of NK1.1(+) natural killer (NK) cells was increased (P < 0.01 for all three populations vs. AEM). The numerical changes resulted in a low percentage of T cells and high percentage of NK cells in FLT animals (P < 0.05). After activation of spleen cells with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, interleukin-2 (IL-2) was decreased, but IL-10, interferon-gamma, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha were increased in FLT mice (P < 0.05). Analysis of cancer-related genes in the thymus showed that the expression of 30 of 84 genes was significantly affected by flight (P < 0.05). Genes that differed from AEM controls by at least 1.5-fold were Birc5, Figf, Grb2, and Tert (upregulated) and Fos, Ifnb1, Itgb3, Mmp9, Myc, Pdgfb, S100a4, Thbs, and Tnf (downregulated). Collectively, the data show that T cell distribution, function, and gene expression are significantly modified shortly after return from the spaceflight environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daila S Gridley
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
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21
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Pecaut MJ, Dutta-Roy R, Smith AL, Jones TA, Nelson GA, Gridley DS. Acute effects of iron-particle radiation on immunity. Part I: Population distributions. Radiat Res 2006; 165:68-77. [PMID: 16392964 DOI: 10.1667/rr3493.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Health risks due to exposure to high-linear energy transfer (LET) charged particles remain unclear. The major goal of this study was to confirm and further characterize the acute effects of high-LET radiation ((56)Fe(26)) on erythrocyte, thrombocyte and leukocyte populations in three body compartments after total-body exposure. Adult female C57BL/6 mice were irradiated with total doses of 0, 0.5, 2 and 3 Gy and killed humanely 4 days later. Body and organ masses were determined and blood, spleen and bone marrow leukocytes were evaluated using a hematology analyzer and flow cytometry. Spleen and thymus (but not body, liver and lung) masses were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner. In general, red blood cell (RBC) counts and most other RBC parameters were depressed with increasing dose (P < 0.05); the major exception was an increase in cell size at 0.5 Gy. Platelet numbers and volume, total white blood cell counts, and all three major types of leukocytes also decreased (P < 0.05). Lymphocyte populations in blood and spleen exhibited variable degrees of susceptibility to (56)Fe-particle radiation (B > T > NK and T cytotoxic > T helper cells). In the bone marrow, leukocytes with granulocytic, lymphocytic ("dim" and "bright"), and monocytic characteristics exhibited proportional variations at the higher radiation doses in the expression of CD34 and/or Ly-6A/E. The data are discussed in relation to our previous investigations with iron ions, other forms of radiation, and space flight in this same animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Pecaut
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Radiobiology Program, Loma Linda University and Medical Center, CA 92354, USA.
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22
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Abstract
Several immunological processes can be affected by space flight. However, there is little evidence to suggest that flight-induced immunological deficits lead to illness. Therefore, one of our goals has been to define models to examine host resistance during space flight. Our working hypothesis is that space flight crews will come from a heterogeneous population; the immune response gene make-up will be quite varied. It is unknown how much the immune response gene variation contributes to the potential threat from infectious organisms, allergic responses or other long term health problems (e.g. cancer). This article details recent efforts of the Kansas State University gravitational immunology group to assess how population heterogeneity impacts host health, either in laboratory experimental situations and/or using the skeletal unloading model of space-flight stress. This paper details our use of several mouse strains with several different genotypes. In particular, mice with varying MHCII allotypes and mice on the C57BL background with different genetic defects have been particularly useful tools with which to study infections by Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Pasteurella pneumotropica and Ehrlichia chaffeensis. We propose that some of these experimental challenge models will be useful to assess the effects of space flight on host resistance to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Keith Chapes
- Division of Biology and Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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Felix K, Wise K, Manna S, Yamauchi K, Wilson BL, Thomas RL, Kulkarni A, Pellis NR, Ramesh GT. Altered cytokine expression in tissues of mice subjected to simulated microgravity. Mol Cell Biochem 2005; 266:79-85. [PMID: 15646029 DOI: 10.1023/b:mcbi.0000049136.55611.dd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Space flight is known to induce microgravity-associated immune dysfunction in humans, non-human primates and rodents. To understand the mechanism underlying these defects, several studies in rodents have been conducted in a ground-based antiorthostatic suspension (AOS) model that would mimic the effects of microgravity. In all these in vivo studies that showed the effects on cytokine profiles actually investigated the ex vivo production from culturing the cells isolated from whole organism that was exposed to space flight and/or microgravity. So, the purpose of the study was to examine the in vivo expression of cytokines in mice in immunologically important tissue environments of mice that were subjected to AOS. Cytokines such as Interleukin-1beta, (IL-1beta), IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) in the homogenates of spleen tissue, lymph nodes and also in serum of AOS mice and compared with that of control mice. AOS induced no change in the IL-3 levels, but IL-1beta was increased significantly whereas IL-2 levels decreased in spleen, lymph nodes and serum. IL-6 levels did not differ in spleen but were significantly increased in lymph nodes and serum of AOS mice. IFN-gamma levels in spleen did not change but showed nonsignificant reduction in lymph nodes and significant reduction in serum in response to AOS. TNF-alpha levels in spleen and serum were unchanged and increased in lymph nodes. This in vivo cytokine study confirms the earlier findings that microgravity-simulated conditions induce tissue-specific immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Felix
- Molecular Neurotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX 77004, USA
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24
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Pecaut MJ, Miller GM, Nelson GA, Gridley DS. Hypergravity-induced immunomodulation in a rodent model: hematological and lymphocyte function analyses. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2004; 97:29-38. [PMID: 14978009 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01304.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The major purpose of this study was to quantify hypergravity-induced changes in erythrocyte and thrombocyte characteristics, spontaneous and mitogen-induced lymphoblastogenesis, and capacity of splenocytes to secrete immunoregulatory cytokines. C57BL/6 mice were subjected to chronic 1, 2, and 3 G; subsets were euthanized after 1, 4, 7, 10, and 21 days of centrifugation. Erythrocyte counts, hematocrit, and hemoglobin were significantly reduced by day 21 in both centrifuged groups. Hemoglobin concentration and volume per red blood cell were generally low, but an early, transient spike above normal was noted in thrombocyte counts in the 3-G group. Fluctuations above and below normal in blood and spleen cell spontaneous blastogenesis were dependent on the length of centrifugation time and not on the level of gravity. Depression in splenocyte responses to phytohemagglutinin and lipopolysaccharide due to gravity were noted when the data were expressed as stimulation indexes. Cytokine production by spleen cells was primarily affected during the first week of centrifugation: IL-2, IL-4, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha increased, whereas interferon-gamma decreased. These findings, although not identical to those reported for spaceflight, indicate that altered gravity can influence both hematological and functional variables that may translate into serious health consequences during extended missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Pecaut
- Department of Radiation Medicina, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
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Harrison BC, Allen DL, Girten B, Stodieck LS, Kostenuik PJ, Bateman TA, Morony S, Lacey D, Leinwand LA. Skeletal muscle adaptations to microgravity exposure in the mouse. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2003; 95:2462-70. [PMID: 12882990 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00603.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the effects of microgravity on murine skeletal muscle fiber size, muscle contractile protein, and enzymatic activity, female C57BL/6J mice, aged 64 days, were divided into animal enclosure module (AEM) ground control and spaceflight (SF) treatment groups. SF animals were flown on the space shuttle Endeavour (STS-108/UF-1) and subjected to approximately 11 days and 19 h of microgravity. Immunohistochemical analysis of muscle fiber cross-sectional area revealed that, in each of the muscles analyzed, mean muscle fiber cross-sectional area was significantly reduced (P < 0.0001) for all fiber types for SF vs. AEM control. In the soleus, immunohistochemical analysis of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform expression revealed a significant increase in the percentage of muscle fibers expressing MHC IIx and MHC IIb (P < 0.05). For the gastrocnemius and plantaris, no significant changes in MHC isoform expression were observed. For the muscles analyzed, no alterations in MHC I or MHC IIa protein expression were observed. Enzymatic analysis of the gastrocnemius revealed a significant decrease in citrate synthase activity in SF vs. AEM control.
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Affiliation(s)
- B C Harrison
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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26
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Gridley DS, Nelson GA, Peters LL, Kostenuik PJ, Bateman TA, Morony S, Stodieck LS, Lacey DL, Simske SJ, Pecaut MJ. Genetic models in applied physiology: selected contribution: effects of spaceflight on immunity in the C57BL/6 mouse. II. Activation, cytokines, erythrocytes, and platelets. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2003; 94:2095-103. [PMID: 12506046 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01053.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This portion of the study quantified the effects of a 12-day space shuttle mission (Space Transport System-108/UF-1) on body and lymphoid organ masses, activation marker expression, cytokine secretion, and erythrocyte and thrombocyte characteristics in C57BL/6 mice. Animals in flight (Flt group) had 10-12% lower body mass compared with ground controls housed either in animal enclosure modules or under standard vivarium conditions (P < 0.001) and the smallest thymus and spleen masses. Percentages of CD25(+) lymphocytes, CD3(+)/CD25(+) T cells, and NK1.1(+)/CD25(+) natural killer cells from Flt mice were higher compared with both controls (P < 0.05). In contrast, CD71 expression was depressed in the Flt and animal enclosure module control mice compared with vivarium control animals (P < 0.001). Secretion of interferon-gamma, IL-2, and IL-4, but not tumor necrosis factor-alpha and IL-5, by splenocytes from Flt mice was decreased relative to either one or both ground controls (P < 0.05). Flt mice also had high red blood cell and thrombocyte counts compared with both sets of controls; low red blood cell volume and distribution width, percentage of reticulocytes, and platelet volume were also noted (P < 0.05) and were consistent with dehydration. These data indicate that relatively short exposure to the spaceflight environment can induce profound changes that may become significant during long-term space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daila S Gridley
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Loma Linda University and Medical Center, Loma Linda, California 92354, USA
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27
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Pecaut MJ, Nelson GA, Peters LL, Kostenuik PJ, Bateman TA, Morony S, Stodieck LS, Lacey DL, Simske SJ, Gridley DS. Genetic models in applied physiology: selected contribution: effects of spaceflight on immunity in the C57BL/6 mouse. I. Immune population distributions. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2003; 94:2085-94. [PMID: 12514166 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01052.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There are several aspects of the spaceflight environment that may lead to changes in immunity: mission-related psychological stress, radiation, and changes in gravity. On December 5, 2001, the space shuttle Endeavor launched for a 12-day mission to examine these effects on C57BL/6 mice for the first time. On their return, assays were performed on the spleen, blood, and bone marrow. In response to flight, there were no significant differences in the general circulating leukocyte proportions. In contrast, there was an increase in splenic lymphocyte percentages, with a corresponding decrease in granulocytes. There was an overall shift in splenic lymphocytes away from T cells toward B cells, and a decrease in the CD4-to-CD8 ratios due to a decrease in T helpers. In contrast, there were proportional increases in bone marrow T cells, with decreases in B cells. Although the blast percentage and count were decreased in flight mice, the CD34(+) population was increased. The data were more consistent with a shift in bone marrow populations rather than a response to changes in the periphery. Many of the results are similar to those using other models. Clearly, spaceflight can influence immune parameters ranging from hematopoiesis to mature leukocyte mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Pecaut
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Radiobiology Program, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Loma Linda University and Medical Center, Loma Linda, California 92354, USA.
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28
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Sonnenfeld G. Animal models for the study of the effects of spaceflight on the immune system. ADVANCES IN SPACE RESEARCH : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE COMMITTEE ON SPACE RESEARCH (COSPAR) 2003; 32:1473-1476. [PMID: 15000088 DOI: 10.1016/s0273-1177(03)90383-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Animal models have been used to determine the effects of spaceflight on the immune system. Rats and rhesus monkeys have been the primary animals used for actual space flight studies, but mice have also been utilized for studies in ground-based models. The primary ground based model used has been hindlimb unloading of rodents, which is similar to the chronic bed-rest model for humans. A variety of immune responses have been shown to be modified when animals are hindlimb unloaded. These results parallel those observed when animals are flown in space. In general, immune responses are depressed in animals maintained in the hindlimb unloading model or flown in space. These results raise the possibility that spaceflight could result in decreased resistance to infection in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Sonnenfeld
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310-1495, USA.
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29
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Sonnenfeld G, Butel JS, Shearer WT. Effects of the space flight environment on the immune system. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2003; 18:1-17. [PMID: 12875508 DOI: 10.1515/reveh.2003.18.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Space flight conditions have a dramatic effect on a variety of physiologic functions of mammals, including muscle, bone, and neurovestibular function. Among the physiological functions that are affected when humans or animals are exposed to space flight conditions is the immune response. The focus of this review is on the function of the immune system in space flight conditions during actual space flights, as well as in models of space flight conditions on the earth. The experiments were carried out in tissue culture systems, in animal models, and in human subjects. The results indicate that space flight conditions alter cell-mediated immune responses, including lymphocyte proliferation and subset distribution, and cytokine production. The mechanism(s) of space flight-induced alterations in immune system function remain(s) to be established. It is likely, however, that multiple factors, including microgravity, stress, neuroendocrine factors, sleep disruption, and nutritional factors, are involved in altering certain functions of the immune system. Such alterations could lead to compromised defenses against infections and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Sonnenfeld
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310-1495, USA.
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Borchers AT, Keen CL, Gershwin ME. Microgravity and immune responsiveness: implications for space travel. Nutrition 2002; 18:889-98. [PMID: 12361784 DOI: 10.1016/s0899-9007(02)00913-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
To date, several hundred cosmonauts and astronauts have flown in space, yet knowledge about the adaptation of their immune system to space flight is rather limited. It is evident that a variety of immune parameters are changed during and after space flight, but the magnitude and pattern of these changes can differ dramatically between missions and even between crew members on the same mission. A literature search was conducted involving a total of 335 papers published between 1972 and 2002 that dealt with the key words immune response, microgravity and astronauts/cosmonauts, isolation, gravity, and human health. The data from multiple studies suggested that major discrepancies in outcome are due to methodologic differences. However, the data also suggested major factors that affect and modulate the immune response during space travel. In part at least, these discrepancies can be attributed to methodologic differences. In addition, a variety of other features, in particular the types and extent of stressors encountered during space missions, are likely to contribute to the variability of immune responses during and after space flight. That stress plays an important role in the effects of space flight on immunologic parameters is suggested by the frequent findings that stress hormones are upregulated during and after space flight. Unfortunately, however, the existing data on hormonal parameters are almost as varied as those on immunologic changes, and correlations between the two datasets have only rarely been attempted. The functional implications of space flight-induced alterations in immune response largely remain to be elucidated, but the data suggest that long-term travel will be associated with the development of immune-compromised hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea T Borchers
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California 95616, USA
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Gridley DS, Pecaut MJ, Nelson GA. Total-body irradiation with high-LET particles: acute and chronic effects on the immune system. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2002; 282:R677-88. [PMID: 11832386 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00435.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Although the immune system is highly susceptible to radiation-induced damage, consequences of high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation remain unclear. This study evaluated the effects of 0.1 gray (Gy), 0.5 Gy, and 2.0 Gy iron ion (56Fe(26)) radiation on lymphoid cells and organs of C57BL/6 mice on days 4 and 113 after whole body exposure; a group irradiated with 2.0 Gy silicon ions (28Si) was euthanized on day 113. On day 4 after 56Fe irradiation, dose-dependent decreases were noted in spleen and thymus masses and all major leukocyte populations in blood and spleen. The CD19(+) B lymphocytes were most radiosensitive and NK1.1(+) natural killer (NK) cells were most resistant. CD3(+) T cells were moderately radiosensitive and a greater loss of CD3(+)/CD8(+) T(C) cells than CD3(+)/CD4(+) T(H) cells was noted. Basal DNA synthesis was elevated on day 4, but response to mitogens and secretion of interleukin-2 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were unaffected. Signs of anemia were noted. By day 113, high B cell numbers and low T(C) cell and monocyte percents were found in the 2.0 Gy 56Fe group; the 2.0 Gy 2)Si mice had low NK cells, decreased basal DNA synthesis, and a somewhat increased response to two mitogens. Collectively, the data show that lymphoid cells and tissues are markedly affected by high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation at relatively low doses, that some aberrations persist long after exposure, and that different consequences may be induced by various densely ionizing particles. Thus simultaneous exposure to multiple radiation sources could lead to a broader spectrum of immune dysfunction than currently anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daila S Gridley
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Radiobiology Program, Loma Linda University and Medical Center, Loma Linda, California 92354, USA
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Pecaut MJ, Gridley DS, Smith AL, Nelson GA. Dose and dose rate effects of whole-body proton-irradiation on lymphocyte blastogenesis and hematological variables: part II. Immunol Lett 2002; 80:67-73. [PMID: 11716967 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-2478(01)00307-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The goal of part II of this study was to evaluate functional characteristics of leukocytes and circulating blood cell parameters after whole-body proton irradiation at varying doses and at low- and high-dose-rates (LDR and HDR, respectively). C57BL/6 mice (n=51) were irradiated and euthanized at 4 days post-exposure for assay. Significant radiation dose- (but not dose-rate-) dependent decreases were observed in splenocyte responses to T and B cell mitogens when compared to sham-irradiated controls (P<0.001). Spontaneous blastogenesis, also significantly dose-dependent, was increased in both blood and spleen (P<0.001). Red blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit were decreased in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), whereas thrombocyte numbers were only slightly affected. Comparison of proton- and gamma-irradiated groups (both receiving 3 Gy at HDR) showed a higher level of spontaneous blastogenesis in blood leukocytes and a lower splenocyte response to concanavalin A following proton irradiation (P<0.05). There were no dose rate effects. Collectively, the data demonstrate that the measurements in blood and spleen were largely dependent upon the total dose of proton radiation and that an 80-fold difference in the dose rate was not a significant factor. A difference, however, was found between protons and gamma-rays in the degree of change induced in some of the measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Pecaut
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Radiobiology Program, Loma Linda University School of Medicine and Medical Center, Chan Shun Pavilion, Room A-1010, 11175 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
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