Correlating increased ocular and systemic blood pressures with neuroretinal function
Kergoat H, Durand M-JAviat Space Environ Med 1996; 67:1174-8
Abstract
Background: The microgravity environment of spaceflights alters the systemic circulation, decreasing the peripheral resistance, while increasing the heart rate and systemic blood pressure. Hypothesis: Body orientation simulating fluid shifts associated with microgravity during spaceflights affects the neural retinal function. Methods: Fifteen healthy adults between 18 and 26 yr of age participated in this study. Scotopic flash electroretinograms and oscillatory potentials were compared for : 1) baseline, wherein subjects were declined 30° from vertical; and 2) for microgravity simulation where subjects were in a 7° head down tilt for 90 min. Results: Group averaged implicit times for the ERG b-wave, as well as OP3, OP4 and OP5 were prolonged after microgravity simulation, and the group averaged OP index was reduced. Conclusions: The results suggest that microgravity of relatively short duration may cause retinal ischema manifest as neuroretinal dysfunction with yet undetermined effects on visual and overall performance.
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Table of Contents for Volume 67, Number 12 of the ASEM journal.