Space flight samples contained 31% less cells than ground controls
Space flight samples metabolized 35% less glucose than ground control samples
Space flight cells were found to be smaller and contain fewer processes than ground control cells
f-actin cytoskeleton of space flight cells found to be spindle-shaped and have less actin fibers radiating from the center of the cells in comparison to ground controls
Therefore, weightlessness-induced osteoporosis may be partially attributed to changes in oteoblast proliferation, function and morphology
Osteoblast Growth in Weightlessness on STS-80 Space Flight*
* K. E. Forkheim and E.B. Schenker, 69 Scientific Meeting of the Aerospace Medical Association, Seattle, Washington, 1998