PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR(S ): Russell R. Martin, Glenn A. Warr, Margaret J. 



Putman, Diane H. Kentor, and Carolinda L. Holleman 



EXPERIMENT TITLE/NUMBER : Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Response 



PROGRAM/MISSION : Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, MA032 



CLASSIFICATION : Human 



DISCIPLINE(S) : Hematology, Cell biology, Behavioral science 



OBJECTIVES : To identify any measurable polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) 

 alterations that might be significant in planning future, longer duration 

 space missions . 



PROTOCOL : Blood samples were obtained periodically from the crewmen between 

 F-30 to R+30. The back-up crew were studied during the pref light period and 

 served as a normal control population. Tests performed included total 

 leukocyte count, differential count, measurement of leukocyte adhesion, 

 evaluation of leukocyte migration and chemotaxis, assessment of phagocytic 

 ability, and testing for cytoplasmic granules that stained for leukocyte acid 

 and alkaline phosphatase. 



EQUIPMENT : 



RESULTS : In vitro responses showed no abnormality R+0 to R+30. Leukocyte 

 acid and alkaline phosphatase histochemistry was unchanged. 



CONCLUSIONS : The absence of any substantial change in the function studies 

 performed suggests that a 9-day space mission does not impair PMN function to 

 any significant extent. The crewmembers returning from space flight have not 

 exhibited increased clinical susceptibility to infection. 



PUBLICATIONS : 378, 379 



60 



