BIO

Hello, my name is Gabriella Mazzorana. I am a first generation American college student and am from Fort Myers, Florida. I am a junior at FSU pursuing an undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology with the life goal of becoming a physician. I have a profound appreciation for science and its capabilities to improve the human condition. It is my life's ambition to become a doctor and serve communities that are deprived of medical care. So far in my undergraduate career, I have been fortunate enough to serve as a Big Sister, emergency medical responder in the MRU, Director of Community in the American Medical Student Association, founder of the FSU Stop the Bleed chapter, and research assistant in this NASA space medicine project.

The Effects of Long-Term Recovery from Simulated Microgravity and Deep Space Radiation on the Rat Basilar Structure and Biochemical Properties

Abstract

Human travel into space exposes them to the spaceflight environment, which includes extreme temperature variations, exposure to deep-space radiation, and the effects of weightlessness (e.g. microgravity). Physiological adaptations occur when exposed to these different environmental stimuli; one example includes brain function. Brain function is reliant on adequate blood perfusion supplied by the cardiovascular system. Both the cardiovascular system and the brain have been shown to adapt to extreme conditions such as spaceflight, where astronauts are subjected to environmental factors such as deep-space radiation and microgravity. Some of these changes include cardiovascular adaptations, musculoskeletal deconditioning, and spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome. To assess these risks and how they may affect the cardiovascular system, we conducted a study of the long-term single and combined effects of deep space radiation and microgravity exposure on rats. Our hypothesis includes studying changes in blood vessel structure and function, as well as biochemical pathway changes (e.g. endothelial nitric oxide synthase [eNOS], oxidative stress) resulting from simulated spaceflight exposure. Biological samples of the rat basilar artery were collected and processed by cryostat sectioning for immunofluorescence protein analysis. The findings from this study will increase our overall knowledge in the field of space medicine and life sciences as well as improve life on Earth through advancements made in medicine and health.

Keywords: NASA, space medicine, basilar