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Harrison, G. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Harrison, G. A..

9 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1977

Ultrastructural changes in tracheal epithelial cells exposed to oxygen

White albino rats were sacrificed after 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h of exposure to 100% O2 at 1 atm. Tissue was prepared for the scanning electron microscope (SEM) by Critical Point Drying and for the transmission electron microscope (TEM) by plastic embedding. Scanning microscopy showed a loss of microvilli after 48 h of exposure. Cilia appeared relatively normal with SEM, but TEM revealed changes in the outer membrane. In TEM, nonciliated cells appeared swollen and often encroached on the ciliated cells. A heavy mucous blanket remained even after processing. All the changes observed that are induced by oxygen exposure contribute to mucostasis, reducing and/or halting mucociliary clearance.

Philpott, D. E.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Preflight studies on tolerance of pocket mice to oxygen and heat. II - Effects on lungs

An electron microscope examination was carried out on the lungs of 11 pocket mice (Perognathus longimembris) that breathed oxygen at 10 psi or 12 psi partial pressure over a period of 7 d, at the end of which time they were decompressed to sea-level O2 pressure, either suddenly or in 30, 60, or 90 min. Vesiculation was noted in the endothelium of the alveolar-capillary wall in most of the animals and, occasionally, blebbing. Some mitochrondria were swollen in a few of the animals. Alveolar exudate was, in general, sparse. Compared with the lungs of other rodents, the lungs of pocket mice appeared relatively resistant to the toxic effects of oxygen. This conclusion needs, however, to be tempered by the fact that 5% N2 was used in the tests reported here. Nonetheless, the results suggest that the oxygen pressures anticipated on the flight of Apollo XVII should be well tolerated by the pocket mice.

Harrison, G. A.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Launch, flight, and recovery

The final phase to fly five pocket mice in the Apollo XVII command module was carried out at the NASA Kennedy Space Center. Upon completion of the 13-d space flight, the package was removed from the spacecraft and, after having been purged with an oxygen-helium gas mixture, was flown to American Samoa. Four of the five mice were recovered alive from the package. Analysis of the mouse that died during the flight revealed several factors that could have contributed to its death, the chief of which was massive hemorrhage in its middle ear cavities.

Look, B. C.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Ultrastructural response of rat lung to 90 days' exposure to oxygen at 450 mm Hg

Young Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 100% oxygen at 450 mm Hg in constant environment capsules for 90 days. Lung tissue examined by electron microscopy revealed a number of changes, many similar to those observed after exposure to oxygen at 760 mm Hg for shorter periods of time. Alterations in vesicle size and number and in mitochondrial matrix and cristae appear in both the endothelial and epithelial cells. Blebbing and rarefication of cytoplasm occur in both cell layers of the alveolo-capillary wall. Also seen are fluid in the basement membrane, platelets in the capillaries, and alveolar fluid and debris. All of these alterations occur at 1 atm exposure. However, after exposure to 450 mm Hg the changes are not as widespread nor as destructive as they are at the higher pressure.

Harrison, G. A.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Biocore experiment

The Apollo 17 biological cosmic ray experiment to determine the effect of heavy cosmic ray particles on the brain and eyes is reported. The pocket mouse was selected as the biological specimen for the experiment. The radiation monitors, animal autopsy and animal processing are described, and the radiation effects on the scalp, retina, and viscera are analyzed.

Bailey, O. T.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Ultrastructural changes in rat lung during long-term exposure to oxygen.

The pathogenesis of oxygen toxicity in the lung of rats was studied by electron microscopy. The following long-term effects were established: (1) a progressive destruction of the blood-air barrier beginning with the endothelial cell layer; (2) a profuse edema in the interstitial spaces in the pleural space in the alveoli and in the cytoplasm and organelles; (3) a continuing increase in the quantity and complexity of the alveolar exudate; (4) gradual hemolysis of red blood cells; and (5) eventual subsiding of the interstitial edema in surviving rats with a concomitant development of emphysema.

Harrison, G. A.↗