Proliferation kinetics of paramecium tetraurelia in balloon-borne experiments

Journal Article · Tue Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1982 · Aviat., Space Environ. Med.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6867083

Croute, F; Soleilhavoup, J P; Vidal, S; Rousseille, R; Planel, H

Experiments were carried out to demonstrate the effect of cosmic radiation, at a balloon-flight ceiling of about 36,500 m (120,000 ft) on single-cell organism proliferation. Paramecium tetraurelia were placed in air-tight containers and maintained at 25 degrees +/- 0.1 degrees C. Cellular growth was determined by cell count, either after recovery or during the flight, by means of an automatic fixation device. Dosimetry was performed by a tissue equivalent proportional counter and was of about 0.5 mrad/h. Flight ceiling duration ranged from 48 min - 22 h. A secondary stimulating effect of growth rate, preceded by a temporary decrease, was observed after recovery. Because of the high bacterial concentration in the trans-Mediterranean flight culture medium, the temporary drop of the growth rate, due to the radiolysis products, disappears. Researchers consider that the stimulating effect can be the result of enzymatic intracellular scavenging of radiolysis products generated in the cell.

• Research Organization: Laboratoire de Biologie Medicale, Faculte de Medecine, Purpan Universite Paul Sabatier-Toulouse-France
• OSTI ID: 6867083
• Journal Information: Aviat., Space Environ. Med.; (United States), Vol. 53:6
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
PARAMECIUM
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
ALTITUDE
COSMIC RADIATION
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
DOSIMETRY
GROWTH
POPULATION DYNAMICS
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CILIATA
INVERTEBRATES
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MICROORGANISMS
PROTOZOA
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
560131* - Radiation Effects on Microorganisms- Basic Studies- (-1987)
560112 - Radiation Effects on Biochemicals- In Microorganisms- (-1987)