During a space mission flown in microgravity early changes in intraocular pressure due to the fluid shift effect in microgravity were analyzed with an automatic self-tonometer. In total, 13 pressure readings per eye were obtained during the mission. The first pressure readings 16 min after reaching microgravity revealed a 92% rise in intraocular pressure compared to the daytime-correlated baseline data on earth followed by an adaptation phase lasting for several hours. Diurnal pressure profiles during the mission showed no relevant difference in altitude and amplitude.

The current study determined the extracellular content of glutamate, 10 additional amino acids, lactate, glucose and some antioxidants in a rodent model of malignant glioma, its peritumoral space and the adjacent cortex. RG2 tumors were induced in the right frontal cortex of Fischer-344 rats (n = 10) by a standardized procedure to obtain a maximum sagittal tumor width of 3-4 mm diameter. After confirmation of tumor growth and localization by contrast enhanced MRI three microdialysis probes were implanted simultaneously in the cortex: at the tumor implantation site (tumor), 2 mm caudally, brain around tumor (BAT) and 4 mm caudally (cortex) to the site of implantation. Dialysate concentrations of glutamate were increased 3.9-fold in tumor and 2-fold in BAT compared with cortex. Glycine was elevated 11.4-fold in tumor and 2.6-fold in BAT. Lactate was increased 1.7-fold in tumor, 1.2-fold in BAT. Levels of glucose, ascorbic acid and uric acid were not significantly different in tumor, BAT and cortex. The increased dialysate levels of glutamate and glycine in the peritumoral space may contribute to impaired neuronal function and epileptiform activity associated with this tumor type in humans.

Specific alterations in systemic circulation due to fluid shift in microgravity may lead to a rise in intraocular pressure (IOP). This situation can be simulated by head-down tilt. Several series of tonometry were performed using a handheld applanation tonometer: (1) Short time postural changes up to -90° head down and back. (2) A period of 2 h in -10° head down. (3) Repetition of series 2 after dehydration of the subjects. (4) Seven-day bedrest study in -7° head-down tilt. (5) A period of lower body negative pressure (LBNP). (6) Valsalva maneuver. Immediately on tilting, the IOP rises with hydrostatic pressure and returns to normal again after about 1 h. The IOP seems to change parallel to venous pressure. Further experiments are planned for Spacelab missions.

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The results of both new tonometers showed a good correlation with the reference applanation tonometric methods, but the strict requirements of ISO 8612 are not fulfilled by either tonometer at present. Additionally, transpalpebral measurements with the TGDc-01 showed unacceptably high variability.