Hind-limb unloading in rodents: Current evidence and perspectives

Due to scarcity of available biological samples from returning space explorers, alternative models, which improve the understanding of spaceflight-related pathophysiology are needed. This review presents an update of available literature on the hind-limb unloading model (HLU). HLU has been used as a model to simulating microgravity in rodents since the early 1980s. This model, by removing the gravitational load from hind limbs of the animals, is widely used for studying the effects of the hindlimb unloading on the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal physiology. Recent updates in the literature with regards to HLU, its advantages as well as how this model can be used to understand the effects of bedrest confinement and/or spaceflight are provided.

Automated summary

Due to limited biological samples from returning space explorers, alternative models are needed to study spaceflight-related pathophysiology. This review provides an update on the hind-limb unloading model (HLU), which simulates microgravity in rodents. By removing gravitational load from the hind limbs, this model is widely used to study the effects of unloading on cardiovascular and musculoskeletal physiology. The advantages of HLU and its applications in understanding bedrest confinement and spaceflight effects are discussed.