Lymphocytes were separated from hegarinized venous blood by a nylon reticulum 



column, cultured, and pulsed with H-uridine or H-thymidine. This was 



measured by liquid scintillation spectrometry for RNA and DNA synthesis. Red 

 cell mass was measured using Cr . 



EQUIPMENT : Blood collection device and assay equipment. 



RESULTS : Postf light reduction in RBC and reticulocyte counts were found. WBC 

 and platelet counts were slightly elevated in the initial postflight (R+0) 

 test . 



Human lymphocyte response (uptake of H uridine or H thymidine) to phytohem- 

 agglutinin was within normal limits. A 2-10% decrease in red cell mass was 

 noted. The HCT was unchanged initially but reduced at R+7. Hb was elevated 

 slightly at R+0, and reduced at R+7. MCHC was elevated through the first 

 week, postflight. RBC T1/2 remained unchanged. 



A significant increase of echinocyte population (R-2h) was noted with 

 immediate postflight reversal (R+0). Other morphological types (discoeyte, 

 leptocyte, codocyte, storaatocyte, knizocyte) remained unchanged. Inflight 

 distribution of types varied, but not significantly. The number of 

 echinocytes was possibly related to the length of flight. 



The immunology studies showed that the concentration of serum proteins was 

 increased after flight. There was no increase in RNA or DNA synthesis. No 

 significant abnormalities were demonstrated pref light or postflight. 



The chromosome analysis suggested postlight aberrations were approximately 

 double pref light values. There was a rather constant postflight aberration 

 yield which seemed to be dependent on the duration of the flight, and baseline 

 or preflight values in experienced astronauts appeared to be higher than in 

 the other crewmen. 



CONCLUSIONS : Although there were subtle alterations for some aspects of 

 erythrocyte function, plasma protein profiles, lymphocyte response patterns, 

 and chromosome aberrations, none of these changes compromise man's performance 

 capacity while in space or should limit his stay in space. While questions 

 remain unanswered, especially with respect to longer duration missions, no 

 drastic alterations were observed during the Apollo program for the 

 hematological and immunological systems which would cause serious concern for 

 the health and safety of the crewmen on longer space journeys. 



PUBLICATIONS : 193, 194, 195, 297, 315 



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