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The Journal of Experimental Biology 204, 3209-3215 (2001)
© 2001 The Company of Biologists Limited

Review

Fluid volume control during short-term space flight and implications for human performance

Donald E. Watenpaugh^*

Department of Integrative Physiology, and Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA

*Present address: Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory, Box 900, Groton, CT 06349-5900, USA (e-mail: watenpaugh{at}nsmrl.navy.mil)

Accepted July 5, 2001

Space flight exerts substantial effects on fluid volume control in humans. Cardiac distension occurs during the first 1–2 days of space flight relative to supine and especially upright 1g conditions. Plasma volume contraction occurs quickly in microgravity, probably as a result of transcapillary fluid filtration into upper-body interstitial spaces. No natriuresis or diuresis has been observed in microgravity, such that diuresis cannot explain microgravity-induced hypovolemia. Reduction of fluid intake occurs irrespective of space motion sickness and leads to hypovolemia. The fourfold elevation of urinary antidiuretic hormone (ADH) levels on flight day 1 probably results from acceleration exposures and other stresses of launch. Nevertheless, it is fascinating that elevated ADH levels and reduced fluid intake occur simultaneously early in flight. Extracellular fluid volume decreases by 10–15% in microgravity, and intracellular fluid volume appears to increase. Total red blood cell mass decreases by approximately 10% within 1 week in space. Inflight Na⁺ and volume excretory responses to saline infusion are approximately half those seen in pre-flight supine conditions. Fluid volume acclimation to microgravity sets the central circulation to homeostatic conditions similar to those found in an upright sitting posture on Earth. Fluid loss in space contributes to reduced exercise performance upon return to 1g, although not necessarily in flight. In-flight exercise training may help prevent microgravity-induced losses of fluid and, therefore, preserve the capacity for upright exercise post-flight. Protection of orthostatic tolerance during space flight probably requires stimulation of orthostatic blood pressure control systems in addition to fluid maintenance or replacement.

Key words: microgravity, human, central venous pressure, plasma volume, extracellular fluid volume, intracellular fluid volume, antidiuretic hormone, thirst.

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