Work

The Impact of Microgravity and Hypergravity on Endothelial Cells

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: The endothelial cells (ECs), which line the inner surface of vessels, play a fundamental role in maintaining vascular integrity and tissue homeostasis, since they regulate local blood flow and other physiological processes. ECs are highly sensitive to mechanical stress, including hypergravity and microgravity. Indeed, they undergo morphological and functional changes in response to alterations of gravity. In particular microgravity leads to changes in the production and expression of vasoactive and inflammatory mediators and adhesion molecules, which mainly result from changes in the remodelling of the cytoskeleton and the distribution of caveolae. These molecular modifications finely control cell survival, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis. This review summarizes the state of the art on how microgravity and hypergravity affect cultured ECs functions and discusses some controversial issues reported in the literature.

Source: BioMed Research International

DOI: 10.1155/2015/434803

Authors: Jeanette A. M. Maier, Francesca Cialdai, Monica Monici, Lucia Morbidelli

Institutions: University of Milan, University of Florence, University of Siena

Language: English

Topic: Spaceflight effects on biology

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,680