title: CNS effects of heavy particle irradiation in space: behavioral implications.
abstract: Research from several sources indicates that young (3 mo) rats exposed to heavy particle irradiation (56Fe irradiation) produces changes in motor behavior as well as alterations in neuronal transmission similar to those seen in aged (22-24 mo) rats. These changes are specific to neuronal systems that are affected by aging. Since 56Fe particles make up approximately 1-2% of cosmic rays, these findings suggest that the neuronal effects of heavy particle irradiation on long-term space flights may be significant, and may even supercede subsequent mutagenic effects in their mission capabilities. It is suggested that among other methods, it may be possible to utilize nutritional modification procedures to offset the putative deleterious effects of these particles in space.
authors.affiliation: USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Erat
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Rabin
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000528:radiation effects*; D000001:Calcimycin / Q000494:pharmacology; D003342:Corpus Striatum / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003359:Cosmic Radiation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007476:Ionophores / Q000494:pharmacology; D007501:Iron; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051381:Rats; D011976:Receptors, Muscarinic / Q000528:radiation effects*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects*; D019445:Solar Activity; D013378:Substantia Nigra / Q000528:radiation effects
chemical_list: D005419:Flavonoids; D007476:Ionophores; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D011976:Receptors, Muscarinic; D000001:Calcimycin; D007501:Iron