The effects of proton exposure on neurochemistry and behavior

Computer Science – Learning

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Neurochemistry, Behavior, Proton Exposure, Radiation, Spatial Learning, Memory

Scientific paper

Future space missions will involve long-term travel beyond the magnetic field of the Earth, where astronauts will be exposed to radiation hazards such as those that arise from galactic cosmic rays. Galactic cosmic rays are composed of protons, α particles, and particles of high energy and charge (HZE particles). Research by our group has shown that exposure to HZE particles, primarily 600 MeV/n and 1 GeV/n 56Fe, can produce significant alterations in brain neurochemistry and behavior. However, given that protons can make up a significant portion of the radiation spectrum, it is important to study their effects on neural functioning and on related performance. Therefore, these studies examined the effects of exposure to proton irradiation on neurochemical and behavioral endpoints, including dopaminergic functioning, amphetamine-induced conditioned taste aversion learning, and spatial learning and memory as measured by the Morris water maze. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received a dose of 0, 1.5, 3.0 or 4.0 Gy of 250 MeV protons at Loma Linda University and were tested in the different behavioral tests at various times following exposure. Results showed that there was no effect of proton irradiation at any dose on any of the endpoints measured. Therefore, there is a contrast between the insignificant effects of high dose proton exposure and the dramatic effectiveness of low dose (<0.1 Gy) exposures to 56Fe particles on both neurochemical and behavioral endpoints.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

The effects of proton exposure on neurochemistry and behavior does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with The effects of proton exposure on neurochemistry and behavior, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The effects of proton exposure on neurochemistry and behavior will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1837614

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.