Digestive system status after prolonged space flights
Smirnov, K.V.; Syrykh, G.D.; Legen'kov, V.I.; Goland-Ruvinova, L.G.; Medkova, I.L.
Kosmicheskaia Biologiia i Aviakosmicheskaia Meditsina 16(2): 19-22
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0321-5040 PMID: 7070032 Document Number: 187073
In the crewmembers of four Salyut-6 long-term flights, enzyme excretory function of the gastro-intestinal tract was investigated. These studies included: gastric proenzyme, pepsinogen, and pancreatic enzymes, amylase and lipase, in blood and urine, trypsin in blood, intestinal enzymes, invertase and glycyl-L-leucine dipeptidase in feces, and lipids in feces. The results obtained demonstrated a correlation between changes in enzyme excretion and space flight duration and profile. After the 140- and 175-day flight the most marked changes in the digestive organs were seen; they manifested as a simultaneous increase in secretory function of the stomach and the pancreas. However, after the 185-day flight, in which advanced countermeasures were used, the above changes were less distinct.