Immune Cells During Disuse and Recovery

Visit 1 (Pre-testing)- After signing a consent form, participants will undergo a blood screening and an oral glucose tolerance test. After the visit, participants will be provided with a step activity monitor to track their level of activity. A dietary assessment will also be determined.

Visit 2- At a later time, the participant will return to the research center for a biopsy, blood draw, body composition scan, MRI and muscle strength testing.

2-week leg immobilization period- After visit 2 , the participant will return home and undergo a 14-day leg immobilization period using the equipment and instructions provided at visit 2.

Visit 3- During the limb immobilization period, participant will return to the research center for a single blood draw.

Visit 4- At the end of the 2-week limb immobilization period, the participant will return to the research center to undergo another biopsy, blood draw, body composition scan, MRI and muscle strength testing.

Visit 5- 2 days after the 2-week limb immobilization period, the participant will return for a biopsy and blood draw.

Visit 6- 7 days after the 2-week limb immobilization period, the participant will be asked to return for a final biopsy, blood draw, body composition scan, MRI and muscle strength testing.

Inclusion criteria

• Age between 18-35 and 60-85 yrs
• Ability to sign informed consent
• Free-living, prior to admission

Exclusion criteria

• History of cardiovascular disease (e.g., CHF, CAD, right-to-left shunt)
• History of endocrine or metabolic disease such as hypo/hyperthyroidism and diabetes
• History of kidney disease or failure
• Vascular disease
• Risk of DVT including family history of thrombophilia, DVT, pulmonary emboli, myeloproliferative diseases including polycythemia (Hb>18 g/dL) or thrombocytosis (platelets>400x103/mL), and connective tissue diseases (positive lupus anticoagulant), hyperhomocystinemia, deficiencies of factor V Leiden, proteins S and C, and antithrombine III
• Use of anticoagulant therapy (e.g., Coumadin, heparin)
• Elevated systolic pressure >150 or a diastolic blood pressure > 100
• Implanted electronic devices (e.g., pacemakers, electronic infusion pumps, stimulators)
• Cancer or history of successfully treated cancer (less than 1 year) other than basal cell carcinoma
• Currently on a weight-loss diet
• Chronic systemic corticosteroid use (≥ 2 weeks) within 4 weeks of enrollment and for study duration (intra-articular/topical/inhaled therapeutic or physiologic doses of corticosteroids are permitted)
• Androgens or growth hormone within 6 months of enrollment and for study duration (topical physiologic androgen replacement is permitted)
• History of stroke with motor disability
• A recent history (<12 months) of GI bleed
• History of liver disease
• History of respiratory disease (acute upper respiratory infection, history of chronic lung disease)
• Pregnancy as determined by a pregnancy test
• Any staff members who report directly to an investigator or who report to someone who reports directly to an investigator.
• Any other condition or event considered exclusionary by the PI and faculty physician