Fig. 2: Effect of altered gravity and cortisol exposure on fibroblast migration capacity.

Hypergravity exposure to 20 × g significantly delayed fibroblast migration compared to 1 × g controls (P = 0.033, n = 10). Simulated microgravity intermitted with 15 × g (P = 0.016, n = 11) and 20 × g (P = 0.007, n = 4) hypergravity also reduced fibroblast migration. The gravity-induced effects were not significant in fibroblasts exposed to cortisol except for the 15 × g T group (P = 0.0468, n = 5). smg = simulated microgravity. 15 ×  g T and 20 × g T are hypergravity transition groups. Error bars show standard deviations. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.005. Statistical tests included ANOVA followed by post hoc analysis (see “Statistical analyses“). Asterisks without line show significance level compared to 1 × g control. Measures are divided by mean value of 1 × g controls to obtain relative values.