PLASMA-LEVEL OF HORMONES IN JAPANESE-QUAIL AFTER EXPOSURE TO MICROGRAVITY

The influence of microgravity and re-entry landing on the endocrine system of adult Japanese quail were studied. The reaction of organisms was expressed as changes in plasma levels of: estradiol, testosterone, thyroxine (T-4), triiodothyronine (T-3) and corticosterone. The results were compared with those obtained m synchronous and laboratory control groups. Flight conditions caused elevated estradiol and decreased testosterone and T-4 levels, while the concentration of corticosterone was not changed. Experimental conditions in synchronous group induced similar changes as in flight experiment with the exception of T-3 elevation and a corticosterone decrease.