Measuring Neuronal Activity Live under Micro- and Hypergravity

Abstract

Astronauts subjected to microgravity suffer from difficulties in fine motor tasks or deficits in higher cognitive functions. Yet, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Neurons are fundamental to relay information and process every aspect of behavior, cognition, and psychomotor functions. Alterations in signal propagation and neuronal transmissions are common traits of neurological disorders, e.g., depression. Therefore, understanding how gravity influences neuronal transmission is crucial for successful space exploration and can also benefit patients on Earth. Membrane potentials and especially action potentials (APs) can be utilized to detect the propagation of signals and neuronal activity. By employing an experiment module suited for electrophysiological recordings in the millisecond range using multielectrode arrays (MEAs), neuronal activity changes could be measured live during altered gravity conditions, i.e., both micro- and hypergravity. The entire experiment system employs several supporting mechanisms, e.g., elaborated thermal control, to enable the functionality under varying gravitational loads.