PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR(S ): Allan A. Katzberg 



EXPERIMENT TITLE/NUMBER : The Effects of Space Flights on Living Human Cells 



PROGRAM/MISSION : Discoverer XVIII 



CLASSIFICATION : Human 



DISCIPLINE(S) : Cell biology, Behavioral science 



OBJECTIVES : To study traumatic effects of spaceflight on living human cells. 



PROTOCOL : Seven human cell lines were used. The types of ectodermal cells 

 flown were: amnion and conjunctival, the mesoderm cells were: sternal marrow, 

 synovial, monocytic leukemia and hela, and the endodermal cells were from the 

 embryonic lung. A population of 50,000 cells of each type was suspended in 3cc 

 medium and sealed in glass ampules which also contained a small glass 

 coverslip. 



EQUIPMENT : Glass ampules, salt solution, 10% horse serum, refrigeration 

 units, neutron film pack, chemical dosimeters, gold foil, glass needle sets, 

 552 film strips, polyethylene foam (for packing), alanine packets, 1 step 

 plate and film (in all three planes), nuclear track plates. 



RESULTS : The cultures were in good condition when returned on the 12th day 

 following preparation, with a high level of viability. Postflight, the cells 

 showed no significant biochemical, cytological, or genetic changes. 



CONCLUSIONS : None, due to less than ideal experimental conditions. 



PUBLICATIONS : 305, 306, 307, 308 



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