In mammals, torpor/hibernation is a state that is characterized by an active reduction in metabolic rate followed by a progressive decrease in body temperature. Torpor was successfully mimicked in non-hibernators by inhibiting the activity of neurons within the brainstem region of the Raphe Pallidus, or by activating the adenosine A1 receptors in the brain. This state, called synthetic torpor, may be exploited for many medical applications, and for space exploration, providing many benefits for biological adaptation to the space environment, among which an enhanced protection from cosmic rays. As regards the use of synthetic torpor in space, to fully evaluate the degree of physiological advantage provided by this state, it is strongly advisable to move from Earth-based experiments to ‘in the field’ tests, possibly on board the International Space Station.

Be cool to be far: Exploiting hibernation for space exploration / Cerri M.; Hitrec T.; Luppi M.; Amici R.. - In: NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS. - ISSN 0149-7634. - ELETTRONICO. - 128:(2021), pp. 218-232. [10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.03.037]

Be cool to be far: Exploiting hibernation for space exploration

Cerri M.
Primo
;
Hitrec T.
Secondo
;
Luppi M.
Penultimo
;
Amici R.
Ultimo
2021

Abstract

In mammals, torpor/hibernation is a state that is characterized by an active reduction in metabolic rate followed by a progressive decrease in body temperature. Torpor was successfully mimicked in non-hibernators by inhibiting the activity of neurons within the brainstem region of the Raphe Pallidus, or by activating the adenosine A1 receptors in the brain. This state, called synthetic torpor, may be exploited for many medical applications, and for space exploration, providing many benefits for biological adaptation to the space environment, among which an enhanced protection from cosmic rays. As regards the use of synthetic torpor in space, to fully evaluate the degree of physiological advantage provided by this state, it is strongly advisable to move from Earth-based experiments to ‘in the field’ tests, possibly on board the International Space Station.
2021
Be cool to be far: Exploiting hibernation for space exploration / Cerri M.; Hitrec T.; Luppi M.; Amici R.. - In: NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS. - ISSN 0149-7634. - ELETTRONICO. - 128:(2021), pp. 218-232. [10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.03.037]
Cerri M.; Hitrec T.; Luppi M.; Amici R.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11585/845701
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