Effects of simulated microgravity on single neurons as well as on neuronal networks.

<p>(A) First line: neuronal networks cultured in ground control conditions (GC 1 h - 24 h - 10 days); second line: neuronal networks exposed to simulated microgravity (RPM 1 h - 24 h - 10 days). (B) Neuron area (soma+neurites) in neuronal network cultures exposed to RPM for 1 h, 24 h or 10 days and the respective controls. (C) Neurite area per neuron in neuronal network cultures exposed to RPM for 1 h, 24 h or 10 days and the respective controls. (D) Neurite length per neuron in neuronal network cultures exposed to RPM for 1 h, 24 h or 10 days and the respective controls. (E) Neurite area per image in cultures exposed to RPM for 1 h, 24 h or 10 days and the respective controls. (F) Neurite length per image in cultures exposed to RPM for 1 h, 24 h or 10 days and the respective controls. (G) Neuronal density per cm²; 10 day RPM vs. 1 h GC : <i>p = </i>0.055. (H) RPM vs. ground condition. (H) Rratios of neuron area, neurite area and neurite length show how neurons adapt to simulated microgravity throughout the exposure time. Paired two-tailed Student’s <i>t</i>-test and standard deviation bars are shown. 1, <i>p</i><0.05 RPM 1 h compared to GC 1 h; 2, <i>p</i><0.05 RPM 24 h compared to GC 24 h; 3, <i>p</i><0.05 RPM 10 days compared to GC 10 days. GC = ground condition; RPM = Random Positioning Machine.