Changes in renal function and fluid and electrolyte regulation in space flight

Abstract

The cephalad fluid redistribution resulting from weightlessness has a number of physiologic consequences. Plasma volume is reduced soon after weightlessness is reached, and red blood cell mass reduction follows. Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide, which inhibits aldosterone secretion, was elevated during space flight while plasma aldosterone was below preflight levels. Serum sodium was also reduced and potassium was elevated. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) was markedly elevated at almost all measurement times in the first eight days of flight, but plasma volume did not return to preflight levels.