Journal of Applied Physiology
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
 QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     


J Appl Physiol 89: 823-839, 2000;
8750-7587/00 $5.00
This Article
Right arrow Full Text Free
Right arrow Full Text (PDF) Free
Right arrow Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in ISI Web of Science
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via ISI Web of Science (127)
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Fitts, R. H.
Right arrow Articles by Widrick, J. J.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Fitts, R. H.
Right arrow Articles by Widrick, J. J.
Vol. 89, Issue 2, 823-839, August 2000

HIGHLIGHTED TOPICS
Physiology of a Microgravity Environment Invited Review: Microgravity and skeletal muscle

Robert H. Fitts1, Danny R. Riley2, and Jeffrey J. Widrick3

1 Department of Biology, Marquette University, Milwaukee 53201; 2 Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226; and 3 Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331

Spaceflight (SF) has been shown to cause skeletal muscle atrophy; a loss in force and power; and, in the first few weeks, a preferential atrophy of extensors over flexors. The atrophy primarily results from a reduced protein synthesis that is likely triggered by the removal of the antigravity load. Contractile proteins are lost out of proportion to other cellular proteins, and the actin thin filament is lost disproportionately to the myosin thick filament. The decline in contractile protein explains the decrease in force per cross-sectional area, whereas the thin-filament loss may explain the observed postflight increase in the maximal velocity of shortening in the type I and IIa fiber types. Importantly, the microgravity-induced decline in peak power is partially offset by the increased fiber velocity. Muscle velocity is further increased by the microgravity-induced expression of fast-type myosin isozymes in slow fibers (hybrid I/II fibers) and by the increased expression of fast type II fiber types. SF increases the susceptibility of skeletal muscle to damage, with the actual damage elicited during postflight reloading. Evidence in rats indicates that SF increases fatigability and reduces the capacity for fat oxidation in skeletal muscles. Future studies will be required to establish the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the SF-induced muscle atrophy and functional loss and to develop effective exercise countermeasures.

spaceflight; muscle atrophy; contractile properties; countermeasures


This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
Exp PhysiolHome page
K. A. Huey, R. R. Roy, H. Zhong, and C. Lullo
Time-dependent changes in caspase-3 activity and heat shock protein 25 after spinal cord transection in adult rats
Exp Physiol, March 1, 2008; 93(3): 415 - 425.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
T. Hirose, K. Nakazato, H. Song, and N. Ishii
TGF- 1 and TNF-{alpha} are involved in the transcription of type I collagen {alpha}2 gene in soleus muscle atrophied by mechanical unloading
J Appl Physiol, January 1, 2008; 104(1): 170 - 177.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Gen. Physiol.Home page
J. Udaka, S. Ohmori, T. Terui, I. Ohtsuki, S. Ishiwata, S. Kurihara, and N. Fukuda
Disuse-induced Preferential Loss of the Giant Protein Titin Depresses Muscle Performance via Abnormal Sarcomeric Organization
J. Gen. Physiol., December 31, 2007; 131(1): 33 - 41.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Physiol.Home page
S. Pierno, J.-F. Desaphy, A. Liantonio, A. De Luca, A. Zarrilli, L. Mastrofrancesco, G. Procino, G. Valenti, and D. Conte Camerino
Disuse of rat muscle in vivo reduces protein kinase C activity controlling the sarcolemma chloride conductance
J. Physiol., November 1, 2007; 584(3): 983 - 995.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.Home page
J. M. Haus, J. A. Carrithers, C. C. Carroll, P. A. Tesch, and T. A. Trappe
Contractile and connective tissue protein content of human skeletal muscle: effects of 35 and 90 days of simulated microgravity and exercise countermeasures
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, October 1, 2007; 293(4): R1722 - R1727.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol.Home page
S. Zhong and L. V. Thompson
The roles of myosin ATPase activity and myosin light chain relative content in the slowing of type IIB fibers with hindlimb unweighting in rats
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, August 1, 2007; 293(2): C723 - C728.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol.Home page
R. H. Fitts, J. G. Romatowski, J. R. Peters, D. Paddon-Jones, R. R. Wolfe, and A. A. Ferrando
The deleterious effects of bed rest on human skeletal muscle fibers are exacerbated by hypercortisolemia and ameliorated by dietary supplementation
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, July 1, 2007; 293(1): C313 - C320.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol.Home page
H. Shi, C. Zeng, A. Ricome, K. M. Hannon, A. L. Grant, and D. E. Gerrard
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway is differentially involved in beta-agonist-induced hypertrophy in slow and fast muscles
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, May 1, 2007; 292(5): C1681 - C1689.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arch NeurolHome page
R. Kalb and D. Solomon
Space Exploration, Mars, and the Nervous System
Arch Neurol, April 1, 2007; 64(4): 485 - 490.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol.Home page
Z. B. Yu, F. Gao, H. Z. Feng, and J.-P. Jin
Differential regulation of myofilament protein isoforms underlying the contractility changes in skeletal muscle unloading
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, March 1, 2007; 292(3): C1192 - C1203.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
L. Malisoux, C. Jamart, K. Delplace, H. Nielens, M. Francaux, and D. Theisen
Effect of long-term muscle paralysis on human single fiber mechanics
J Appl Physiol, January 1, 2007; 102(1): 340 - 349.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Physiol. GenomicsHome page
H. L. Nichols, N. Zhang, and X. Wen
Proteomics and genomics of microgravity
Physiol Genomics, September 14, 2006; 26(3): 163 - 171.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
S. Zhong, D. A. Lowe, and L. V. Thompson
Effects of hindlimb unweighting and aging on rat semimembranosus muscle and myosin
J Appl Physiol, September 1, 2006; 101(3): 873 - 880.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
G. K. Prisk, J. M. Fine, T. K. Cooper, and J. B. West
Vital capacity, respiratory muscle strength, and pulmonary gas exchange during long-duration exposure to microgravity
J Appl Physiol, August 1, 2006; 101(2): 439 - 447.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
B. C. Clark, B. Fernhall, and L. L. Ploutz-Snyder
Adaptations in human neuromuscular function following prolonged unweighting: I. Skeletal muscle contractile properties and applied ischemia efficacy
J Appl Physiol, July 1, 2006; 101(1): 256 - 263.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
H.-D. Lee, T. Finni, J. A. Hodgson, A. M. Lai, V. R. Edgerton, and S. Sinha
Soleus aponeurosis strain distribution following chronic unloading in humans: an in vivo MR phase-contrast study
J Appl Physiol, June 1, 2006; 100(6): 2004 - 2011.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J BiochemHome page
Y. Seo, K. Lee, K. Park, K. Bae, and I. Choi
A Proteomic Assessment of Muscle Contractile Alterations during Unloading and Reloading
J. Biochem., January 1, 2006; 139(1): 71 - 80.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
T. L. Hilder, L. A. Baer, P. M. Fuller, C. A. Fuller, R. E. Grindeland, C. E. Wade, and L. M. Graves
Insulin-independent pathways mediating glucose uptake in hindlimb-suspended skeletal muscle
J Appl Physiol, December 1, 2005; 99(6): 2181 - 2188.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
N. Hayashi, S. Koba, and T. Yoshida
Disuse atrophy increases the muscle mechanoreflex in rats
J Appl Physiol, October 1, 2005; 99(4): 1442 - 1445.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
Y. Mounier, V. Montel, F. Picquet, L. Stevens, B. Bastide, and M. Falempin
Dual effect of deafferentation on contractile characteristics and sarcoplasmic reticulum properties in rat soleus fibers
J Appl Physiol, August 1, 2005; 99(2): 542 - 548.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
A. Kyparos, D. L. Feeback, C. S. Layne, D. A. Martinez, and M. S. F. Clarke
Mechanical stimulation of the plantar foot surface attenuates soleus muscle atrophy induced by hindlimb unloading in rats
J Appl Physiol, August 1, 2005; 99(2): 739 - 746.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol.Home page
P. Kischel, B. Bastide, M. Muller, F. Dubail, F. Offredi, J. P. Jin, Y. Mounier, and J. Martial
Expression and functional properties of four slow skeletal troponin T isoforms in rat muscles
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, August 1, 2005; 289(2): C437 - C443.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
T. Yimlamai, S. L. Dodd, S. E. Borst, and S. Park
Clenbuterol induces muscle-specific attenuation of atrophy through effects on the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway
J Appl Physiol, July 1, 2005; 99(1): 71 - 80.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.Home page
M. Fluck, S. Schmutz, M. Wittwer, H. Hoppeler, and D. Desplanches
Transcriptional reprogramming during reloading of atrophied rat soleus muscle
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, July 1, 2005; 289(1): R4 - R14.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Nutr.Home page
T. P. Stein and C. E. Wade
Metabolic Consequences of Muscle Disuse Atrophy
J. Nutr., July 1, 2005; 135(7): 1824S - 1828S.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.Home page
F. Picquet, V. Bouet, L. Cochon, M. Lacour, and M. Falempin
Changes in rat soleus muscle phenotype consecutive to a growth in hypergravity followed by normogravity
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, July 1, 2005; 289(1): R217 - R224.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Physiol.Home page
K. D. Walton, L. Benavides, N. Singh, and N. Hatoum
Long-term effects of microgravity on the swimming behaviour of young rats
J. Physiol., June 1, 2005; 565(2): 609 - 626.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Physiol.Home page
K. D. Walton, S. Harding, D. Anschel, Y. T. Harris, and R. Llinas
The effects of microgravity on the development of surface righting in rats
J. Physiol., June 1, 2005; 565(2): 593 - 608.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
J. Caruso, J. Hamill, M. Yamauchi, D. Mercado, T. Cook, B. Higginson, S. O'Meara, J. Elias, and S. Siconolfi
Albuterol aids resistance exercise in reducing unloading-induced ankle extensor strength losses
J Appl Physiol, May 1, 2005; 98(5): 1705 - 1711.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
H. Fujino, H. Kohzuki, I. Takeda, T. Kiyooka, T. Miyasaka, S. Mohri, J. Shimizu, and F. Kajiya
Regression of capillary network in atrophied soleus muscle induced by hindlimb unweighting
J Appl Physiol, April 1, 2005; 98(4): 1407 - 1413.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol.Home page
R. W. Jackman and S. C. Kandarian
The molecular basis of skeletal muscle atrophy
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, October 1, 2004; 287(4): C834 - C843.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Mol. Cell. ProteomicsHome page
C. Cieniewski-Bernard, B. Bastide, T. Lefebvre, J. Lemoine, Y. Mounier, and J.-C. Michalski
Identification of O-linked N-Acetylglucosamine Proteins in Rat Skeletal Muscle Using Two-dimensional Gel Electrophoresis and Mass Spectrometry
Mol. Cell. Proteomics, June 1, 2004; 3(6): 577 - 585.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Physiol.Home page
S. Trappe, T. Trappe, P. Gallagher, M. Harber, B. Alkner, and P. Tesch
Human single muscle fibre function with 84 day bed-rest and resistance exercise
J. Physiol., June 1, 2004; 557(2): 501 - 513.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.Home page
A. Kamiya, D. Michikami, T. Shiozawa, S. Iwase, J. Hayano, T. Kawada, K. Sunagawa, and T. Mano
Bed rest attenuates sympathetic and pressor responses to isometric exercise in antigravity leg muscles in humans
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, May 1, 2004; 286(5): R844 - R850.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Physiol. GenomicsHome page
A. Lionikas, D. A. Blizard, D. J. Vandenbergh, M. G. Glover, J. T. Stout, G. P. Vogler, G. E. McClearn, and L. Larsson
Genetic architecture of fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscle weight in 200-day-old mice of the C57BL/6J and DBA/2J lineage
Physiol Genomics, December 16, 2003; 16(1): 141 - 152.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
J. E. Stelzer and J. J. Widrick
Effect of hindlimb suspension on the functional properties of slow and fast soleus fibers from three strains of mice
J Appl Physiol, December 1, 2003; 95(6): 2425 - 2433.
[Abstract] [Full Text]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
B. C. Harrison, D. L. Allen, B. Girten, L. S. Stodieck, P. J. Kostenuik, T. A. Bateman, S. Morony, D. Lacey, and L. A. Leinwand
Skeletal muscle adaptations to microgravity exposure in the mouse
J Appl Physiol, December 1, 2003; 95(6): 2462 - 2470.
[Abstract] [Full Text]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
J. E. Hurst and R. H. Fitts
Hindlimb unloading-induced muscle atrophy and loss of function: protective effect of isometric exercise
J Appl Physiol, October 1, 2003; 95(4): 1405 - 1417.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
L.-F. Zhang, B. Sun, X.-S. Cao, C. Liu, Z.-B. Yu, L.-N. Zhang, J.-H. Cheng, Y.-H. Wu, and X.-Y. Wu
Effectiveness of intermittent -Gx gravitation in preventing deconditioning due to simulated microgravity
J Appl Physiol, July 1, 2003; 95(1): 207 - 218.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
C. D. McMahon, L. Popovic, J. M. Oldham, F. Jeanplong, H. K. Smith, R. Kambadur, M. Sharma, L. Maxwell, and J. J. Bass
Myostatin-deficient mice lose more skeletal muscle mass than wild-type controls during hindlimb suspension
Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, July 1, 2003; 285(1): E82 - E87.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Physiol. GenomicsHome page
L. Bey, N. Akunuri, P. Zhao, E. P. Hoffman, D. G. Hamilton, and M. T. Hamilton
Patterns of global gene expression in rat skeletal muscle during unloading and low-intensity ambulatory activity
Physiol Genomics, April 16, 2003; 13(2): 157 - 167.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
D. Lambertz, F. Goubel, R. Kaspranski, and C. Perot
Influence of long-term spaceflight on neuromechanical properties of muscles in humans
J Appl Physiol, February 1, 2003; 94(2): 490 - 498.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
C. W. Cortes, P. D. Thompson, N. M. Moyna, M. D. Schluter, M. J. Leskiw, M. R. Donaldson, B. H. Duncan, and T. P. Stein
Protein kinetics in stable heart failure patients
J Appl Physiol, January 1, 2003; 94(1): 295 - 300.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
T. J. Koesterer, S. L. Dodd, and S. Powers
Increased antioxidant capacity does not attenuate muscle atrophy caused by unweighting
J Appl Physiol, December 1, 2002; 93(6): 1959 - 1965.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol.Home page
R. W. Tsika, J. McCarthy, N. Karasseva, Y. Ou, and G. L. Tsika
Divergence in species and regulatory role of beta -myosin heavy chain proximal promoter muscle-CAT elements
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, December 1, 2002; 283(6): C1761 - C1775.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol.Home page
G. M. Diffee, K. Kalfas, S. Al-Majid, and D. O. McCarthy
Altered expression of skeletal muscle myosin isoforms in cancer cachexia
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, November 1, 2002; 283(5): C1376 - C1382.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
N. J. Hudson and C. E. Franklin
Maintaining muscle mass during extended disuse: aestivating frogs as a model species
J. Exp. Biol., August 1, 2002; 205(15): 2297 - 2303.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
J. J. Widrick, S. W. Trappe, J. G. Romatowski, D. A. Riley, D. L. Costill, and R. H. Fitts
Unilateral lower limb suspension does not mimic bed rest or spaceflight effects on human muscle fiber function
J Appl Physiol, July 1, 2002; 93(1): 354 - 360.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.Home page
F. Picquet, V. Bouet, M. H. Canu, L. Stevens, Y. Mounier, M. Lacour, and M. Falempin
Contractile properties and myosin expression in rats born and reared in hypergravity
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, June 1, 2002; 282(6): R1687 - R1695.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Integr. Comp. Biol.Home page
D. J. Coughlin
A Molecular Mechanism for Variations in Muscle Function in Rainbow Trout
Integr. Comp. Biol., April 1, 2002; 42(2): 190 - 198.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
ptjournalHome page
M. J Mueller and K. S Maluf
Tissue Adaptation to Physical Stress: A Proposed "Physical Stress Theory" to Guide Physical Therapist Practice, Education, and Research
Physical Therapy, April 1, 2002; 82(4): 383 - 403.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Exp. Biol.Home page
R. H. Fitts, D. R. Riley, and J. J. Widrick
Functional and structural adaptations of skeletal muscle to microgravity
J. Exp. Biol., March 11, 2002; 204(18): 3201 - 3208.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
D. A. Riley, J. L. W. Bain, J. L. Thompson, R. H. Fitts, J. J. Widrick, S. W. Trappe, T. A. Trappe, and D. L. Costill
Thin filament diversity and physiological properties of fast and slow fiber types in astronaut leg muscles
J Appl Physiol, February 1, 2002; 92(2): 817 - 825.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
L.-F. Zhang
Vascular adaptation to microgravity: what have we learned?
J Appl Physiol, December 1, 2001; 91(6): 2415 - 2430.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Biol Res NursHome page
B. E. Ojala, L. A. Page, M. A. Moore, and L. V. Thompson
Effects of Inactivity on Glycolytic Capacity of Single Skeletal Muscle Fibers in Adult and Aged Rats
Biol Res Nurs, October 1, 2001; 3(2): 88 - 95.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
J. J. Widrick, J. G. Romatowski, K. M. Norenberg, S. T. Knuth, J. L. W. Bain, D. A. Riley, S. W. Trappe, T. A. Trappe, D. L. Costill, and R. H. Fitts
Functional properties of slow and fast gastrocnemius muscle fibers after a 17-day spaceflight
J Appl Physiol, June 1, 2001; 90(6): 2203 - 2211.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]




HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Visit Other APS Journals Online