| Principal Investigator |
: |
 |
S.M. Highstein, M.D., Ph.D.
(Washington University) |
|
| Co-Investigator |
: |
Kaoru Yoshida, M.D., Ph.D. (University of Tsukuba)
Shiro Usui, Ph.D. (Toyohashi University of Technology)
|
| Objective: |
: |
The otolith organs in the inner ear detect tilt and linear acceleration
of the head and function as a gravity sensor. They play essential roles
in maintaining balance and posture. The responses of the otolith organs
may be quite different from those on the ground, and this is considered
to be one of the causes for space motion sickness. The purposes of this
research are to study the effects of microgravity on the response dynamics
of the otolithic afferents and to study any adaptive change of the equilibrium
functions related to the microgravity environment.
|
| Experiment outline |
: |
A vertebrate fish, the toadfish, Opsanus tau is used in this study.
The fish otolith system compares favorably with that of mammals. The neural
signals sent from the otolith organs to the brain are recorded using specially
designed electrodes, chronically implanted in the otolith nerve, and head-mounted
telemetry system. These signals are continuously monitored before, during,
and after the space flight, to analyze the effects of reduced gravity in
detail.
|
| Expected benefits |
: |
This study will provide basic information about the performance of
the otolith system in normal and microgravity. Continuous data will give
an insight into the etiology of space adaptation syndrome and may bear
upon future therapies for the equilibrium disorders such as earth bound
motion sickness.
|
| Experimental unit |
: |
|
