Sonnenfeld Gerald, Butel Janet S, Shearer William T
Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310-1495, USA.
Rev Environ Health. 2003 Jan-Mar;18(1):1-17. doi: 10.1515/reveh.2003.18.1.1.
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.
太空飞行条件对哺乳动物的多种生理功能有显著影响，包括肌肉、骨骼和神经前庭功能。当人类或动物暴露于太空飞行条件时，受影响的生理功能之一是免疫反应。本综述的重点是实际太空飞行期间以及地球上太空飞行条件模型中免疫系统在太空飞行条件下的功能。实验在组织培养系统、动物模型和人类受试者中进行。结果表明，太空飞行条件会改变细胞介导的免疫反应，包括淋巴细胞增殖、亚群分布和细胞因子产生。太空飞行引起的免疫系统功能改变的机制仍有待确定。然而，很可能包括微重力、应激、神经内分泌因素、睡眠中断和营养因素在内的多种因素参与了改变免疫系统的某些功能。这种改变可能导致对感染和肿瘤的防御能力受损。
