Saqib, K: Simulated Microgravity

Male (n=30) and female (n=30) rats were divided into as control (CC), horizontal restrained (HR) and head down suspended (HDS) group for winter (20°C to 23°C) and summer season (30°C to 33°C). During winter and summer seasons, male and female rats did show a (P0.05) decrease in the weight of liver, lymphocytes, serum glucose, cholesterol, proteins and albumin, Na, K, Mg, Mn, Cu, Se and T3 concentration in the HR and HDS group as compared to control group. An increase (P0.05) in the adrenal weight, neutrophils and serum calcium level was also observed in the HR and HDS groups. Kidney weight of male rats did increase (P0.05) in HR and HDS groups and in female of HDS group during winter seasons. Pituitary weight did increase (P 0.05) in male and female HR and HDS groups during winter and was high (P 0.05) in female of HR and HDS groups during summer. Serum AST increased (P0.05) in male of HDS group during winter while in summer, it increased (P0.05) in male of HR and HDS groups. Serum ALT increased (P0.05) in male and female rats of HR and HDS groups during winter while in summer, it increased (P0.05) in male and female of HDS rats.