Antioxidant metabolism in Xenopus laevis embryos is affected by stratospheric balloon flight

Abstract

To test the effects of low levels of radiation from space on living organisms, we flew Xenopus laevis embryos at different stages of development on a stratospheric balloon (BI.R.BA mission). After recovery, different parameters were analyzed to assess the effects of flight, with particular regard to oxidative stress damage. Because of failed temperature control during flight, the flight shielded embryos (FC) could not be used for biochemical or morphological comparisons. In contrast, the incubation conditions (i.e. temperature, containers, volumes) for the flight embryos (F) were parallel to those for the ground controls. Mortality data show that younger embryos (16 h) flown on the balloon (F) are more sensitive to radiation exposure than older ones (40 h and 6 days). Exposure during flight lowered the antioxidant potential in all embryos, particularly older ones. These preliminary data demonstrate that flight on a stratospheric balloon might affect antioxidant metabolism, though it is not yet possible to correlate these results with low radiation exposure during flight.

Nuclear Phosphatidylcholine and Sphingomyelin Metabolism of Thyroid Cells Changes during Stratospheric Balloon Flight

“…Shielding of the box containing the cells diminished the effect of the stratosphere and reduced the variations in lipid metabolism. The effect of the shielding was also demonstrated in a study performed on X. laevis that participated to the same space mission [12]. The authors demonstrated that the effect of stratosphere depended on the stage of X. laevis development.…”

“…The authors demonstrated that the effect of stratosphere depended on the stage of X. laevis development. In fact younger embryos were the most affected, with increases in mortality and malformations [12]. Moreover, no induction of HSPs was observed, suggesting that results obtained were caused by the radiation itself and not by general stress occasioned by the balloon flight [12].…”

“…The shielding of the box was developed by Zanini et al [13]. During the mission, radiation spectra were measured in both incubators, while temperature, pressure, and altitude were continuously monitored and recorded by a data logger as reported [12]. These parameters were controlled by Kayser-Italia, Livorno.…”

“…These parameters were controlled by Kayser-Italia, Livorno. The total radiation measured was 11.23 mSv/h, the radiation in the shielded box was 50% of that in the normal box for all components except the neutrons [12]. The Stratospheric Balloon left by Milo (launch site of Trapani-Italy) to arrive to Siviglia (base-Spanish).…”

“…Accordingly, the aim of the present paper was to study the effect of stratosphere on nuclear SM and PC metabolism in proliferating and quiescent thyroid cells. To achieve this, stratospheric balloons were used to expose biological samples to radiation present at 30–40 km altitude for approximately 20 hours [12]. …”