Metabolism and biochemistry in hypogravity

• Published in: Acta astronautica Vol. 23; pp. 105 - 108
• Main Author: Leach, Carolyn S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Legacy CDMS Elsevier Ltd 1991
• Subjects: Aerospace Medicine; Bed Rest - adverse effects; Central Venous Pressure - physiology; Fluid Shifts - physiology; Hormones - metabolism; Humans; Space Flight; Space life sciences; Stress, Physiological - metabolism; Weightlessness - adverse effects; NASA Discipline Number 00-00; NASA Program Flight; NASA Program Space Physiology and Countermeasures; NASA Center JSC; NASA Discipline Number 18-10; NASA Discipline Regulatory Physiology
• ISSN: 0094-5765; 1879-2030
• DOI: 10.1016/0094-5765(91)90105-E

The headward shift of body fluid and increase in stress-related hormones that occur in hypogravity bring about a number of changes in metabolism and biochemistry of the human body. Such alterations may have important effects on health during flight and during a recovery period after return to Earth. Body fluid and electrolytes are lost, and blood levels of several hormones that control metabolism are altered during space flight. Increased serum calcium may lead to an increased risk of renal stone formation during flight, and altered drug metabolism could influence the efficacy of therapeutic agents. Orthostatic intolerance and an increased risk of fracturing weakened bones are concerns at landing. It is important to understand biochemistry and metabolism in hypogravity so that clinically important developments can be anticipated and prevented or ameliorated.