The effect of spaceflight and microgravity on the human brain

Abstract

Microgravity, confinement, isolation, and immobilization are just some of the features astronauts have to cope with during space missions. Consequently, long-duration space travel can have detrimental effects on human physiology. Although research has focused on the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system in particular, the exact impact of spaceflight on the human central nervous system remains to be determined. Previous studies have reported psychological problems, cephalic fluid shifts, neurovestibular problems, and cognitive alterations, but there is paucity in the knowledge of the underlying neural substrates. Previous space analogue studies and preliminary spaceflight studies have shown an involvement of the cerebellum, cortical sensorimotor, and somatosensory areas and the vestibular pathways. Extending this knowledge is crucial, especially in view of long-duration interplanetary missions (e.g., Mars missions) and space tourism. In addition, the acquired insight could be relevant for vestibular patients, patients with neurodegenerative disorders, as well as the elderly population, coping with multisensory deficit syndromes, immobilization, and inactivity.

Vitamin D in Space

“…Currently, there is little known about CNS alterations in space [46,47]. The following structures are more affected than other parts of the CNS: cerebellar, sensorimotor, and vestibular brain regions [48].…”

Ergonomic Challenges for Astronauts during Space Travel and the Need for Space Medicine

“…Accompanied by an executive summary and commentary, it remains the most current and comprehensive report on sex and gender differences related to human physiology and psychology in spaceflight and on Earth. There have been a number of excellent reviews [5][6][7][8][9][10][11] in many areas of human physiology and in the next section, I will provide a brief and up to date review some of consequences of space travel on human physiology and draw where possible on non-clinical studies in cell culture in vitro and in animal models which may help to build a picture of our current knowledge and the gaps that remain in our understanding.…”

“…This area has been very recently reviewed [11] and despite over half a century of manned space flight and the widespread use of head down bed rest as an analogue for the simulation of cephalic fluid shift experienced in space [29], there is little information on the effect of spaceflight and microgravity on the human brain. A number of studies in mice [30][31][32] suggest attenuation of neurotrophic factors associated with neurotransmission, it remains unclear how these changes may affect alteration in behavior and how such changes may translate into humans.…”

“…The planet is rocky, has a magnetic field and an axial tilt which may provide seasonal variations in climatic conditions. Now in 2017, as we comprehend taking our first steps towards space travel within the solar system which are designed to lead to lunar or planetary colonization within the next [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] years, what will we need to know and to develop which will allow such a crew to be safely maintained for these first steps and which may ultimately provide a foundation to permit travel to and permanent colonization of a new world?…”

The Effects of Varying Gravito-inertial Stressors on Grip Strength and Hemodynamic Responses Across Gender

“…This view is however overly simplified since subsystems interact through constructive or destructive interferences. Using resting state fMRI and EEG, AG has been shown to alter cerebellar, sensorimotor and vestibular brain regions (6, 7, 18, 20, 21). More critically, gender-specific changes in cortical activation patterns during exposure to AG have also been reported using EEG (22).…”