Does simulated conditions of microgravity increase progesterone production in I-10 cells of Leydig tumor cell line?
Our findings showed that I-10 cells produced more progesterone under a muG, than under control environments. Since the amounts of 3betaHSD, Ad4bp/SF-1, DAX-1 and cAMP were not altered, the increase in steroid production under CR might be due to the expansion of cytoplasm, where steroidogenesis occurs. Steroidogenesis should be investigated in more detail to predict the effects of outer space on humans.
Physiological and pharmacological testing of colonic motor activity may be important in severely constipated patients, especially in those labeled as 'intractable', in whom more in depth investigation planning may encourage further therapeutic efforts.