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Gravity and Embryo Development

  • Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) (R Anchan, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The precise impact that gravity, or the lack of gravity, plays in the key phases of mammalian reproduction remains a mystery. Humans and all other known living species have adapted to the effects of gravity on Earth. Only recently has the study of gravitational biology become truly possible. As humans spend increasingly longer periods of time in space, the effect of minimal gravity (microgravity) on mammalian reproduction must be addressed.

Recent Findings

This article examines the devices used to simulate microgravity on Earth. It also explores the evidence behind microgravity’s effects on immunomodulation, cell signaling pathways, and gene activation, as well as the impact of these changes on embryo development.

Summary

As humans look to the stars with plans for eventual colonization of space stations and other planets, understanding and overcoming the detrimental effects of microgravity on embryo development will be important in creating successful extraplanetary assisted reproductive technology (ART) programs. The necessity of this work becomes ever greater as our population approaches the carrying capacity of our planet. Even if we avoid planetary overpopulation, these studies can still provide valuable insight and improvements to ART therapies on Earth.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    Robert Rydze, Amy Schutt & William Gibbons

  2. Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Houston IVF, A CCRM Network Clinic, Houston, TX, USA

    James Nodler

Authors
  1. Robert Rydze
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  2. Amy Schutt
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  3. William Gibbons
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  4. James Nodler
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to James Nodler.

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Conflict of Interest

Robert Rydze, Amy Schutt, William Gibbons, and James Nodler declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Additional information

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI)

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Rydze, R., Schutt, A., Gibbons, W. et al. Gravity and Embryo Development. Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep 6, 51–54 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13669-017-0193-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13669-017-0193-3

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