RESPONSE TO HYPOGRAVITY OF NORMAL IN-VITRO CULTURED FOLLICULAR CELLS FROM THYROID

Aim of this investigation is the study of molecular modifications occu rring in differentiated mammalian cells exposed to gravitational chang es. The test system chosen is a well characterized clone of differenti ated, normal thyroid follicular cells (FRTL5) in long-term culture. As a follow-up to our recent experiment performed during the MASER-7 sou nding rocket mission, flown for European Space Agency by Swedish Space Corporation in May 1996, we evaluated FRTL5 cells responses to Thyroi d Stimulating Hormone dependent cAMP production under acute hypogravit y conditions obtained in a fast rotating clinostat. Following this app roach, we evaluated the FRTL5 cells response to TSH under microgravity conditions in order to optimize experimental tools and strategies in preparation to, and in between real flight missions. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.