STUDY OF FLUID AND ELECTROLYTE METABOLISM AND HORMONAL REGULATION OF
FLUID VOLUME IN SPACEFLIGHT CONDITIONS (DIUREZ)
Research Area: Integrated Physiology and Nutrition
Expedition(s): 3-11
Principal Investigator(s): ● Irina M. Larina, PhD, Institute of Medical and Biological
Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Diurez gathers new data on the state of fluid and electrolyte metabolism and hormonal
regulation of the body’s fluid volume in microgravity conditions and in the readaptation period
after spaceflight. Analyses of bio samples (venous and capillary blood, and urine) help to
characterize the final stage of fluid and electrolyte metabolism in microgravity.
EARTH BENEFITS
Diurez promotes the development of medicine to
counteract space-induced metabolic changes, which
may also be applied to related ailments on Earth.
SPACE BENEFITS
The results obtained from Diurez help to improve the
medical support system for long-term spaceflight,
including how work and rest schedules, medical
monitoring, training, and postflight rehabilitation of
crew members are organized.
RESULTS
Initial data showed that, during flight, the volume of morning fluid consumption decreased
significantly, which could be caused by activity features of the work/rest routine. Data showed
a close connection between the age and the BMI of crew members with other studied
indicators. These factors must be considered when evaluating the nutritional status and the
physical activities of the crew members.
In microgravity and postflight, a decrease was observed in the blood concentration of prolactin,
which indirectly indicates an increase in dopaminergic (signaling) activity of the central nervous
system. These effects must be considered when planning the level of postflight physical and
mental activity of the crewmembers.
PUBLICATION(S)
Morukov BV, Nichiporuk IA, Tret'yakov VS, Larina IM. Biochemical markers of bone tissue
metabolism in cosmonauts after a prolonged spaceflight. Human Physiology. 2005;31(6):684-
- doi: 10.1007/s10747- 005 -0115-z.
This investigation is complete and all results are published.
Container КВ-03 for returning urine and
blood samples. Roscosmos image.