Ricci G, Esposito R, Catizone A, Galdieri M
Department of Experimental Medicine, Histology and Embryology Laboratory, School of Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
J Endocrinol Invest. 2008 Mar;31(3):229-37. doi: 10.1007/BF03345595.
Spaceflight experiments carried out in microgravity environments have revealed that exposure to altered gravity condition results in alteration of several cellular functions and, consequently, of several apparatuses. There is some evidence in the literature indicating that spaceflight affects the physiology of the testis. The data on effects of spaceflight or simulated microgravity on testicular function, however, sometimes appear contradictory. In the present study we used an in vitro experimental model in order to investigate the direct effects of microgravity on testicular tissue. We generated a microgravity environment using the Rotating Wall Vessel and performed experiments on testicular fragments isolated from pre-pubertal rats. In this model we then analyzed several parameters such as histological integrity, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, occludin distribution pattern, and hormonal secretions. The emerging picture shows some alterations of testicular tissue physiology. Interestingly, we also demonstrate for the first time that, in organ culture, Leydig cell survival is severely affected by simulated microgravity.
在微重力环境下进行的航天实验表明，暴露于重力条件改变的环境会导致多种细胞功能发生改变，进而影响多个器官。文献中有一些证据表明航天会影响睾丸的生理功能。然而，关于航天或模拟微重力对睾丸功能影响的数据有时似乎相互矛盾。在本研究中，我们使用体外实验模型来研究微重力对睾丸组织的直接影响。我们使用旋转壁式生物反应器制造了一个微重力环境，并对从青春期前大鼠分离的睾丸组织碎片进行了实验。在这个模型中，我们分析了几个参数，如组织学完整性、细胞增殖、细胞凋亡、闭合蛋白分布模式和激素分泌。新出现的情况显示睾丸组织生理功能有一些改变。有趣的是，我们还首次证明，在器官培养中，睾丸间质细胞的存活受到模拟微重力的严重影响。
