Hind-limb unloading in rodents: Current evidence and perspectives. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hawliczek, Anna; Brix, Bianca; Al Mutawa, Shamma; Alsuwaidi, Hanan; Du Plessis, Stefan; Gao, Yunfang; Qaisar, Rizwan; Siddiqui, Ruqaiyyah; Elmoselhi, Adel B.; Goswami, Nandu
• Is Part Of: Acta astronautica. Volume 195(2022)
• Page Start: 574
• Page End: 582
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Hind-limb unloading model -- Microgravity -- Musculoskeletal changes -- Cardiovascular changes -- Immunity -- Stress -- Microbiome; BMD Bone Mineral Density -- BP Blood Pressure -- CV Cardiovascular -- CVP Central Venous Pressure -- DBP Diastolic Blood Pressure -- DSG Deep Space Gateway -- EDL Extensive Digitorum Longus -- ESA European Space Agency -- HLU Hind Limb Unloading -- HR Heart Rate -- ICP Intracranial Pressure -- ISS International Space Station -- NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration -- ROS Reactive Oxygen Species -- SBP Systolic Blood Pressure; Astronautics -- Periodicals; Outer space -- Exploration -- Periodicals; Astronautics; Periodicals; 629.405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2022.03.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-5765

Abstract

Abstract: Due to scarcity of available biological samples from returning space explorers, alternative models, which improve the understanding of spaceflight-related pathophysiology are needed. This review presents an update of available literature on the hind-limb unloading model (HLU). HLU has been used as a model to simulating microgravity in rodents since the early 1980s. This model, by removing the gravitational load from hind limbs of the animals, is widely used for studying the effects of the hindlimb unloading on the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal physiology. Recent updates in the literature with regards to HLU, its advantages as well as how this model can be used to understand the effects of bedrest confinement and/or spaceflight are provided. Highlights: Hind-limb unloading (HLU) is a model to simulating microgravity in rodents. This review represents update of available literature on HLU. Discussed are musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and endothelial changes due to HLU. We further highlight the effects of HLU on immunity, stress and the microbiome.