[Effects of intermittent artificial gravity on femur of simulated weightlessness rats].

AIM

To explore the effects of three intermittent artificial gravity on simulated weightlessness rats.

METHODS

30 male SD rats were divided into 5 groups: control group (C), tail-suspension group (S) and standing group (G1), 1.5 G group (G2), 2.6 G (G3) group; randomly and equally. G groups were given 1 h/d standing, 1.5 G or 2.6 G artificial gravity each day. The effects of 3 weeks artificial gravity on tail-suspension rats were evaluated by measuring physical and mechanical parameters of femur.

RESULTS

Compared to S rats, elastic ultimate load (EUL), the ultimate load (UL) and bending rigidity coefficient (BRC) of G1 rats (P < 0.05) improved significantly; Diameter (P < 0.01), mass (dry) and density (P < 0.05), EUL and UL (P < 0.05) of G2 rats raised significantly; EUL and UL of G3 rats (P < 0.01) improved markedly.

CONCLUSION

By using intermittent artificial gravity, the mechanical parameters of weight loading bones of simulated weightlessness rats were all improved apparently, and the one using 1.5 G 1 h/d artificial gravity was the best.