The lung in space.
The lung is exquisitely sensitive to gravity, which induces gradients in ventilation, blood flow, and gas exchange. Studies of lungs in microgravity provide a means of elucidating the effects of gravity. They suggest a mechanism by which gravity serves to match ventilation to perfusion, making for a more efficient lung than anticipated. Despite predictions, lungs do not become edematous, and there is no disruption to, gas exchange in microgravity. Sleep disturbances in microgravity are not a result of respiratory-related events; obstructive sleep apnea is caused principally by the gravitational effects on the upper airways. In microgravity, lungs may be at greater risk to the effects of inhaled aerosols.
Prisk
G Kim
GK
Division of Physiology, Department of Medicine, University of California--San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0931, USA. kprisk@ucsd.edu
D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D018472:Hypogravity; D008168:Lung / Q000502:physiology; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena; D012890:Sleep / Q000502:physiology; D013026:Space Flight; D014893:Weightlessness / Q000009:adverse effects*