High Altitude Protein Analysis

Project: HAPA: High Altitude Protein Analysis

Goal:

To study the effects of a high altitude environment on the total protein and hematocrit levels in human blood. Possible applications for study of internal effects and nutrition for astronauts in low earth orbit.

Proposal:

Take two samples of blood from same specimen (me) Test the Hematocrit and Total Protein of initial control sample at the Bio-Medics facility in Pullman. Send second sample in payload and on return test levels again and compare.

Definitions:

Hemotatocrit: The proportion of the blood occupied by the red blood cells. Normal values are 40-54% in males, 35-47% in females. If the hematocrit is below normal, one has anemia. If the hematocrit is above normal, one has erythrocytosis.

Total Protein: A total protein assay measures the amount of proteins found in the plasma. The two major protein components are albumin and globulins. Plasma proteins play a major role in maintaining colloid osmotic pressure, and are a source of amino acids. They also bind and transport a variety of substances including lipids, fatty acids, lipid-like substances, copper, iron, and hemoglobin.