Real and simulated microgravity can activate signals stimulating cells to enter the S phase during lens regeneration in urodelean amphibians》.pdf

Advances in Space Research 38 (2006) 1071–1078 /locate/asr Real and simulated microgravity can activate signals stimulating cells to enter the S phase during lens regeneration in urodelean amphibians E.N. Grigoryan a,*, H.J. Anton b, V.I. Mitashov a a Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 26 Vavilov str., 119991 Moscow, Russia b Zoological Institute, University of Cologne, 119 Weyertal str., 50923 Cologne, Germany Received 21 July 2004; received in revised form 16 October 2004; accepted 16 October 2004 Abstract The model of Wolffian lens regeneration was used to study the effect of microgravity on the proliferative activity of cell giving rise to the regenerating lens. In vivo experiments were performed aboard Russian biosatellites and under laboratory conditions, using clinorotation to simulate microgravity. The data of autoradiographic analysis and BrdU assay showed that exposure to micro-g resulted in a 1.2- to 2-fold increase in the number of cells entering the S phase, compared to that in the on-ground control (1g). This increase was observed both in the zone of regeneration (the dorsal iris) and in the eye growth zone (the pars ciliaris–ora serrata complex). In the regenerating lens proper, the number of cells entering the S phase was also greater under experimental conditions. This often resulted in an increased size of the lens (compared to the control) and disturbances in its morphogenesis. Along with in vivo experiments, we developed a quasi-in vivo system of iris/lens culturing in vitro in a high-speed miniroller, which allows us now to compare the direct effects of low g and the effects mediated by various body systems