Mice in Bion-M 1 Space Mission: Training and Selection

Abstract

After a 16-year hiatus, Russia has resumed its program of biomedical research in space, with the successful 30-day flight of the Bion-M 1 biosatellite (April 19–May 19, 2013). The principal species for biomedical research in this project was the mouse. This paper presents an overview of the scientific goals, the experimental design and the mouse training/selection program. The aim of mice experiments in the Bion-M 1 project was to elucidate cellular and molecular mechanisms, underlying the adaptation of key physiological systems to long-term exposure in microgravity. The studies with mice combined in vivo measurements, both in flight and post-flight (including continuous blood pressure measurement), with extensive in vitro studies carried out shortly after return of the mice and in the end of recovery study. Male C57/BL6 mice group housed in space habitats were flown aboard the Bion-M 1 biosatellite, or remained on ground in the control experiment that replicated environmental and housing conditions in the spacecraft. Vivarium control groups were used to account for housing effects and possible seasonal differences. Mice training included the co-adaptation in housing groups and mice adaptation to paste food diet. The measures taken to co-adapt aggressive male mice in housing groups and the peculiarities of “space” paste food are described. The training program for mice designated for in vivo studies was broader and included behavioral/functional test battery and continuous behavioral measurements in the home-cage. The results of the preliminary tests were used for the selection of homogenous groups. After the flight, mice were in good condition for biomedical studies and displayed signs of pronounced disadaptation to Earth's gravity. The outcomes of the training program for the mice welfare are discussed. We conclude that our training program was effective and that male mice can be successfully employed in space biomedical research.

Gene Expression Profiling in Slow-Type Calf Soleus Muscle of 30 Days Space-Flown Mice

“…Mice flown aboard of the biosatellite were in good condition after landing, as previously reported by Andreev-Andrievskiy [17]. More in detail, the climate parameters in flight and ground controls were within the range suitable for rodents’ housing and no significant differences in the bodyweight of mice of the different experimental groups were found [17]. As previously reported the mean weight of the soleus muscle was significantly reduced (21.9%) in BF group (p < 0.05) compared with FC [18].…”

“…Thus, BF (flown mice) and BG (ground control mice) mice were fed with “space” paste food including all necessary major nutrients comparable to standard chow and water developed by the Institute for Biomedical Problems (IBMP, Moscow), while FC mice were fed with standard chow and water ab libitum . Food and water intake within the different experimental groups were previously reported by Andreev-Andrievskiy and co-workers [17]. …”

“…However, the global gene expression profile of the slow-type soleus muscle following microgravity exposure is still missing. Recently, two studies showed mainly structural and biochemical changes found in the gastrocnemius , soleus and anterior tibialis of space-flown mice on board of the BION-M1 [17–19]. …”

Effect of microgravity on glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor and cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor gene expression in the mouse brain

“…The temperature in the chambers was 21°C, and relative humidity was 61%. After space flight, mice did not differ significantly from control groups in body weight (for details see Andreev‐Andrievsky et al, ).…”

Humanized mouse as an appropriate model for accelerated global HIV research and vaccine development: current trend

“…•In 2013 C57BL/6 mice were flown into space aboard Bion-M No.1 (96) for biomedical research and adaptability.…”