Vascular health in space.

: Space flight induces many changes within the cardiovascular system that have the potential during long-duration space missions on the International Space Station to result in structural and functional changes in the vascular system. In this paper, we will first briefly review the potential changes in reflex control of the vascular system as observed primarily in short-duration studies of humans. We will then show how the reflex responses might interact with other changes anticipated during long-duration missions based on evidence from animal and human experimentation. This evidence points to the potential for changes in blood vessel structure, metabolism and responses to vasodilator and constrictor substances that might have long-term health consequences paralleling the effects of aging on the cardiovascular system.