Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

5-2007

School/College

College of Science, Engineering, and Technology (COSET)

Degree Name

MS in Biology

First Advisor

G. Ramesh

Abstract

The environment of space is one that is currently of great interest to researchers. With so little known concerning microgravity and radiation, both areas pose a particular interest in regards to living organisms. Microgravity is a term commonly applied to a condition of free-fall within a gravitational field in which the weight of an object is reduced compared to its weight at rest on Earth. Upon exposure, the body undergoes numerous changes, especially at the cellular level. Evidence has shown conclusively that many of these effects increase in severity when space travel is extended to long term. Several studies carried out using both invitro and invivo model systems suggest that microgravity induces oxidative stress. Oxidative stress may result in the disturbance and equilibrium status of pro-oxidant/anti-oxidant systems which will cause extensive damage to all the organ systems. Some of the oxidoreductase class of enzymes present in the liver scavenges the reactive oxygen species induced during micro gravity. These enzymes are of particular importance, because they help to protect organisms from oxidative and free radical damage. Hence the objective of the present study is to understand the effect of microgravity on the specific activity of various oxidoreductases and some other stress induced parameters in the mouse liver. Very little is known about 1 2 the effect of microgravity on oxidoreductase class of enzymes. We use in our studies the most popular ground based rodent model known as the hind limb unloading. In this model the mice are suspended by the tail base to produce 30-degree head down position, which simulates microgravity conditions. This study will help to understand the liver functions during microgravity conditions.

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