title: Research activities at the Loma Linda University and Proton Treatment Facility--an overview.
abstract: The Loma Linda University (LLU) Radiobiology Program coordinates basic research and proton beam service activities for the university and extramural communities. The current focus of the program is on the biological and physical properties of protons and the operation of radiobiology facilities for NASA-sponsored projects. The current accelerator, supporting facilities and operations are described along with a brief review of extramural research projects supported by the program. These include space craft electronic parts and shielding testing as well as tumorigenesis and animal behavior experiments. An overview of research projects currently underway at LLU is also described. These include: 1) acute responses of the C57Bl/6 mouse immune system, 2) modulation of gene expression in the nematode C. elegans and rat thyroid cells, 3) quantitation of dose tolerance in rat CNS microvasculature, 4) behavioral screening of whole body proton and iron ion-irradiated C57Bl/6 mice, and 5) investigation of the role of cell integration into epithelial structures on responses to radiation.
authors.affiliation: Loma Linda University Radiobiology Program, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California 92354, USA.
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Gridley
authors.forename: J O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Archambeau
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Slater
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000528:radiation effects; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans; D002140:California; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000528:radiation effects; D020450:Heavy Ions; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000528:radiation effects; D051379:Mice; D011522:Protons; D011853:Radiobiology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011882:Radiotherapy, High-Energy / Q000295:instrumentation; D051381:Rats; D012106:Research; D017356:Synchrotrons; D014481:United States; D018557:United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration; D014495:Universities
chemical_list: D011522:Protons