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Rat Pancreatic Response to Simulated Microgravity by Hindlimb Suspension
Author(s) -
Chowdhury Parimal,
Soulsby Michael E.,
Ali Nawab,
Mehta Rahul
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.1035.5
Subject(s) - hindlimb , pancreas , endocrine system , medicine , endocrinology , oxidative stress , meal , islet , chemistry , insulin , biology , hormone
Hindlimb suspension (HLS) of rats is a validated model of simulated microgravity representing weightlessness. This study examines the stress response induced by HLS on the structural integrity of endocrine and exocrine pancreas in rats. The influence of a dietary soyprotein meal was also examined. Four groups of animals were used: two unsuspended control having each group fed with either Purina chow or a meal containing 100% custom made soyprotein meal and two suspended groups with the same feeding schedule but suspended for one week by their tail. After one week, the animals were sacrificed to collect pancreatic tissues for measurements of malondialdyde (MDA) and histopathological changes. The results show that HLS significantly increased MDA levels in addition to marked structural changes in the exocrine and endocrine pancreas as determined by vacuolation, vacuolar fusion, pyknosis and increased size and number of islets. These effects by HLS have been significantly reversed with dietary soyprotein meal. The results suggest that pancreatic response to one week suspension by HLS is induced by oxidative stress and soyprotein appeared to have the protective effect on this organ (Supported by a grant from Arkansas Space Grant Consortium).