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Three Weeks of Anti-orthostatic Suspension had no Effect on Immune Status in a Specific-Pathogen-Free Enfvironment

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Abstract

Anti-Orthostatic Suspension (AOS) is a well-known murine ground-based model of simulated microgravity. However, because no commercial equipment is available for AOS in Specific-Pathogen-Free (SPF) laboratories no previous study has been conducted to examine the effect of AOS on allergic immunity. Accordingly, we developed an AOS cage suitable for SPF conditions, and evaluate its reliability and the effect of 3 weeks of AOS on immunity in a mouse model. An AOS cage were developed using stainless steel components. Fourteen female BALB/c mice were allocated to Group A (control group, n=7) or Group B (AOS, n=7). Body weights and thickness of posterior thigh muscles were measured before and after 3 weeks of AOS, and serum IgE and the titers of cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, and IFN- γ) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were compared, as were lung histologic findings. The SPF condition was successfully maintained. No significant difference in weight gain was observed between groups A (0.9 ±1.0 g) and B (0.8 ±1.1 g, P>0.05) after the 3-week experimental period. The mean thickness of posterior thigh muscles in Group B was significantly lower than in Group A (0.7 ±0.2 versus -0.4 ±0.3 mm, P =0.001). However, group serum IgE titers, and IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, and IFN- γ titers in BAL fluid were non-significantly different. No intergroup difference was found by histopathologic examinations of lungs. In conclusion, using AOS equipment in a SPF laboratory, immune status was not found to be significantly affected by 3 weeks AOS in healthy mice.

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Acknowledgments

Tae Young Jang received a grant (NRF-2013M1A3A3A02042309) from the Space Core Technology Development Program of the National Research Foundation (NRF) funded by the Korean Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning (MSIP). Young Hyo Kim received support from the Basic Science Research Program through the NRF funded by the Korean Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (NRF-2013R1A1A1006382). Kyu-Sung Kim received a grant from the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning (NRF-2013R1A2A2A04014796). Tae Young Jang, Young Hyo Kim and Kyu-Sung Kim received Inha University Research Grants. Geun Uck Chang, Min-Jeong Heo and Ah-Yeoun Jung has nothing to declare.

Author contributions

Tae Young Jang wrote the manuscript. Geun Uck Chang and Kyu-Sung Kim interpreted the results and proofread the manuscript. Min-Jeong Heo and Ah-Yeoun Jung conducted the animal experiments, collected data, and performed the statistical analysis. Young Hyo Kim designed the study, performed the statistical analysis, and prepared the figures.

Conflict of interests

The authors have no potential conflict of interest to declare.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Inha University College of Medicine, 27 Inhang-ro, Junggu, Incheon, 400-711, Republic of Korea

    Tae Young Jang, Geun Uck Chang, Kyu-Sung Kim, Min-Jeong Heo, Ah-Yeoun Jung & Young Hyo Kim

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  1. Tae Young Jang
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Correspondence to Young Hyo Kim.

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Jang, T.Y., Chang, G.U., Kim, KS. et al. Three Weeks of Anti-orthostatic Suspension had no Effect on Immune Status in a Specific-Pathogen-Free Enfvironment. Microgravity Sci. Technol. 27, 321–327 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12217-015-9418-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12217-015-9418-0

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