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Simulated Microgravity‐induced changes in skeletal bones as measured by X‐ray using 20 keV Electron beam
Author(s) -
Mehta Rahul,
Watson Alec M,
Ali Nawab,
Soulsby Michael,
Chowdhury Parimal
Publication year - 2010
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.24.1_supplement.616.8
Subject(s) - weightlessness , scanning electron microscope , electron microscope , chemistry , electron , cathode ray , hindlimb , materials science , anatomy , biophysics , optics , physics , biology , composite material , nuclear physics , astronomy
Hind‐limb suspension (HLS) of rats is a NASA validated model of simulated weightlessness. This study examines the effects of microgravity on the skeletal system of rats to assess whether or not exposure of rats to HLS for one to two weeks will induce alteration of structural features in selected bones. Four groups of rats were used: two unsuspended controls and two suspended groups. X‐rays were measured by a liquid nitrogen cooled Si(Li) detector on a Scanning Electron Microscope that provided a 20 keV beam of electrons. The x‐ray data were collected from square cross sections ranging between 1 × 1 μm 2 and 400 × 400 μm 2 . The bones were measured for elemental levels of calcium, phosphorus, oxygen and carbon from both control and HLS rats. A correlation among HLS and control samples in terms of the distribution of the primary elements was found in the bone tissue when analyzed as a function of position along the leg and within the cross sections as well as differences in these types of patterns. In the skull tissue samples, the distribution of elements varied with respect to the suture location. This work has physiological implications in terms of understanding the mechanism of changes in hard tissues due to microgravity.