1
|
Cahoon DS, Rabin BM, Fisher DR, Shukitt-Hale B. Effects of HZE-Particle Exposure Location and Energy on Brain Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Rats. Radiat Res 2023; 200:431-443. [PMID: 37758038 DOI: 10.1667/rade-22-00041.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Astronauts on exploratory missions will be exposed to particle radiation of high energy and charge (HZE particles), which have been shown to produce neurochemical and performance deficits in animal models. Exposure to HZE particles can produce both targeted effects, resulting from direct ionization of atoms along the particle track, and non-targeted effects (NTEs) in cells that are distant from the track, extending the range of potential damage beyond the site of irradiation. While recent work suggests that NTEs are primarily responsible for changes in cognitive function after HZE exposures, the relative contributions of targeted and non-targeted effects to neurochemical changes after HZE exposures are unclear. The present experiment was designed to further explore the role of targeted and non-targeted effects on HZE-induced neurochemical changes (inflammation and oxidative stress) by evaluating the effects of exposure location and particle energy/linear energy transfer (LET). Forty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats received head-only or body-only exposures to 56Fe particles [600 MeV/n (75 cGy) or 1,000 MeV/n (100 cGy)] or 48Ti particles [500 MeV/n (50 cGy) or 1,100 MeV/n (75 cGy)] or no irradiation (0 cGy). Twenty-four h after irradiation, rats were euthanized, and the brain was dissected for analysis of HZE-particle-induced neurochemical changes in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. Results showed that exposure to 56Fe and 48Ti ions produced changes in measurements of brain inflammation [glial fibrillary astrocyte protein (GFAP)], oxidative stress [NADPH-oxidoreductase-2 (NOX2)] and antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)]. However, radiation effects varied depending upon the specific measurement, brain region, and exposure location. Although overall exposures of the head produced more detrimental changes in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress than exposures of the body, body-only exposures also produced changes relative to no irradiation, and the effect of particle energy/LET on neurochemical changes was minimal. Results indicate that both targeted and non-targeted effects are important contributors to neurochemical changes after head-only exposure. However, because there were no consistent neurochemical changes as a function of changes in track structure after head-only exposures, the role of direct effects on neuronal function is uncertain. Therefore, these findings, although in an animal model, suggest that NTEs should be considered in the estimation of risk to the central nervous system (CNS) and development of countermeasures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle S Cahoon
- USDA-ARS, Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, Maryland 02111
| | - Bernard M Rabin
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland 21250
| | - Derek R Fisher
- USDA-ARS, Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, Maryland 02111
| | - Barbara Shukitt-Hale
- USDA-ARS, Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, Maryland 02111
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Britten RA, Limoli CL. New Radiobiological Principles for the CNS Arising from Space Radiation Research. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1293. [PMID: 37374076 DOI: 10.3390/life13061293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, the brain has been regarded as a relatively insensitive late-reacting tissue, with radiologically detectable damage not being reported at doses < 60 Gy. When NASA proposed interplanetary exploration missions, it was required to conduct an intensive health and safety evaluation of cancer, cardiovascular, and cognitive risks associated with exposure to deep space radiation (SR). The SR dose that astronauts on a mission to Mars are predicted to receive is ~300 mGy. Even after correcting for the higher RBE of the SR particles, the biologically effective SR dose (<1 Gy) would still be 60-fold lower than the threshold dose for clinically detectable neurological damage. Unexpectedly, the NASA-funded research program has consistently reported that low (<250 mGy) doses of SR induce deficits in multiple cognitive functions. This review will discuss these findings and the radical paradigm shifts in radiobiological principles for the brain that were required in light of these findings. These included a shift from cell killing to loss of function models, an expansion of the critical brain regions for radiation-induced cognitive impediments, and the concept that the neuron may not be the sole critical target for neurocognitive impairment. The accrued information on how SR exposure impacts neurocognitive performance may provide new opportunities to reduce neurocognitive impairment in brain cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Britten
- EVMS Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
| | - Charles L Limoli
- Department Radiation Oncology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Grigoryan EN. Impact of Microgravity and Other Spaceflight Factors on Retina of Vertebrates and Humans In Vivo and In Vitro. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1263. [PMID: 37374046 DOI: 10.3390/life13061263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight (SF) increases the risk of developmental, regenerative, and physiological disorders in animals and humans. Astronauts, besides bone loss, muscle atrophy, and cardiovascular and immune system alterations, undergo ocular disorders affecting posterior eye tissues, including the retina. Few studies revealed abnormalities in the development and changes in the regeneration of eye tissues in lower vertebrates after SF and simulated microgravity. Under microgravity conditions, mammals show disturbances in the retinal vascular system and increased risk of oxidative stress that can lead to cell death in the retina. Animal studies provided evidence of gene expression changes associated with cellular stress, inflammation, and aberrant signaling pathways. Experiments using retinal cells in microgravity-modeling systems in vitro additionally indicated micro-g-induced changes at the molecular level. Here, we provide an overview of the literature and the authors' own data to assess the predictive value of structural and functional alterations for developing countermeasures and mitigating the SF effects on the human retina. Further emphasis is given to the importance of animal studies on the retina and other eye tissues in vivo and retinal cells in vitro aboard spacecraft for understanding alterations in the vertebrate visual system in response to stress caused by gravity variations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora N Grigoryan
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Boutros SW, Zimmerman B, Nagy SC, Lee JS, Perez R, Raber J. Amifostine (WR-2721) Mitigates Cognitive Injury Induced by Heavy Ion Radiation in Male Mice and Alters Behavior and Brain Connectivity. Front Physiol 2021; 12:770502. [PMID: 34867479 PMCID: PMC8637850 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.770502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The deep space environment contains many risks to astronauts during space missions, such as galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) comprised of naturally occurring heavy ions. Heavy ion radiation is increasingly being used in cancer therapy, including novel regimens involving carbon therapy. Previous investigations involving simulated space radiation have indicated a host of detrimental cognitive and behavioral effects. Therefore, there is an increasing need to counteract these deleterious effects of heavy ion radiation. Here, we assessed the ability of amifostine to mitigate cognitive injury induced by simulated GCRs in C57Bl/6J male and female mice. Six-month-old mice received an intraperitoneal injection of saline, 107 mg/kg, or 214 mg/kg of amifostine 1 h prior to exposure to a simplified five-ion radiation (protons, 28Si, 4He, 16O, and 56Fe) at 500 mGy or sham radiation. Mice were behaviorally tested 2-3 months later. Male mice that received saline and radiation exposure failed to show novel object recognition, which was reversed by both doses of amifostine. Conversely, female mice that received saline and radiation exposure displayed intact object recognition, but those that received amifostine prior to radiation did not. Amifostine and radiation also had distinct effects on males and females in the open field, with amifostine affecting distance moved over time in both sexes, and radiation affecting time spent in the center in females only. Whole-brain analysis of cFos immunoreactivity in male mice indicated that amifostine and radiation altered regional connectivity in areas involved in novel object recognition. These data support that amifostine has potential as a countermeasure against cognitive injury following proton and heavy ion irradiation in males.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Weber Boutros
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Benjamin Zimmerman
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Sydney C. Nagy
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Joanne S. Lee
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Ruby Perez
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Departments of Neurology and Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Portland, OR, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Raber J, Holden S, Sudhakar R, Hall R, Glaeser B, Lenarczyk M, Rockwell K, Nawarawong N, Sterrett J, Perez R, Leonard SW, Morré J, Choi J, Kronenberg A, Borg A, Kwok A, Stevens JF, Olsen CM, Willey JS, Bobe G, Baker J. Effects of 5-Ion Beam Irradiation and Hindlimb Unloading on Metabolic Pathways in Plasma and Brain of Behaviorally Tested WAG/Rij Rats. Front Physiol 2021; 12:746509. [PMID: 34646164 PMCID: PMC8503608 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.746509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
A limitation of simulated space radiation studies is that radiation exposure is not the only environmental challenge astronauts face during missions. Therefore, we characterized behavioral and cognitive performance of male WAG/Rij rats 3 months after sham-irradiation or total body irradiation with a simplified 5-ion mixed beam exposure in the absence or presence of simulated weightlessness using hindlimb unloading (HU) alone. Six months following behavioral and cognitive testing or 9 months following sham-irradiation or total body irradiation, plasma and brain tissues (hippocampus and cortex) were processed to determine whether the behavioral and cognitive effects were associated with long-term alterations in metabolic pathways in plasma and brain. Sham HU, but not irradiated HU, rats were impaired in spatial habituation learning. Rats irradiated with 1.5 Gy showed increased depressive-like behaviors. This was seen in the absence but not presence of HU. Thus, HU has differential effects in sham-irradiated and irradiated animals and specific behavioral measures are associated with plasma levels of distinct metabolites 6 months later. The combined effects of HU and radiation on metabolic pathways in plasma and brain illustrate the complex interaction of environmental stressors and highlights the importance of assessing these interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,Department of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Radiation Medicine, Division of Neuroscience, ONPRC, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Sarah Holden
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Reetesh Sudhakar
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Reed Hall
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Breanna Glaeser
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Marek Lenarczyk
- Radiation Biosciences Laboratory, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Kristen Rockwell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Natalie Nawarawong
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Jennifer Sterrett
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Ruby Perez
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Scott William Leonard
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Jeffrey Morré
- Mass Spectrometry Core, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Jaewoo Choi
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Amy Kronenberg
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Alexander Borg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Andy Kwok
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Jan Frederik Stevens
- College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States.,Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Christopher M Olsen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Jeffrey S Willey
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Gerd Bobe
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States.,Department of Animal Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - John Baker
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Radiation Biosciences Laboratory, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Matar M, Gokoglu SA, Prelich MT, Gallo CA, Iqbal AK, Britten RA, Prabhu RK, Myers JG. Machine Learning Models to Predict Cognitive Impairment of Rodents Subjected to Space Radiation. Front Syst Neurosci 2021; 15:713131. [PMID: 34588962 PMCID: PMC8473791 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.713131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This research uses machine-learned computational analyses to predict the cognitive performance impairment of rats induced by irradiation. The experimental data in the analyses is from a rodent model exposed to ≤15 cGy of individual galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) ions: 4He, 16O, 28Si, 48Ti, or 56Fe, expected for a Lunar or Mars mission. This work investigates rats at a subject-based level and uses performance scores taken before irradiation to predict impairment in attentional set-shifting (ATSET) data post-irradiation. Here, the worst performing rats of the control group define the impairment thresholds based on population analyses via cumulative distribution functions, leading to the labeling of impairment for each subject. A significant finding is the exhibition of a dose-dependent increasing probability of impairment for 1 to 10 cGy of 28Si or 56Fe in the simple discrimination (SD) stage of the ATSET, and for 1 to 10 cGy of 56Fe in the compound discrimination (CD) stage. On a subject-based level, implementing machine learning (ML) classifiers such as the Gaussian naïve Bayes, support vector machine, and artificial neural networks identifies rats that have a higher tendency for impairment after GCR exposure. The algorithms employ the experimental prescreen performance scores as multidimensional input features to predict each rodent's susceptibility to cognitive impairment due to space radiation exposure. The receiver operating characteristic and the precision-recall curves of the ML models show a better prediction of impairment when 56Fe is the ion in question in both SD and CD stages. They, however, do not depict impairment due to 4He in SD and 28Si in CD, suggesting no dose-dependent impairment response in these cases. One key finding of our study is that prescreen performance scores can be used to predict the ATSET performance impairments. This result is significant to crewed space missions as it supports the potential of predicting an astronaut's impairment in a specific task before spaceflight through the implementation of appropriately trained ML tools. Future research can focus on constructing ML ensemble methods to integrate the findings from the methodologies implemented in this study for more robust predictions of cognitive decrements due to space radiation exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mona Matar
- NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | | | | | | | - Asad K. Iqbal
- ZIN Technologies, Inc., Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Richard A. Britten
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - R. K. Prabhu
- Universities Space Research Association, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jerry G. Myers
- NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zwart SR, Mulavara AP, Williams TJ, George K, Smith SM. The role of nutrition in space exploration: Implications for sensorimotor, cognition, behavior and the cerebral changes due to the exposure to radiation, altered gravity, and isolation/confinement hazards of spaceflight. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 127:307-331. [PMID: 33915203 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Multi-year crewed space exploration missions are now on the horizon; therefore, it is important that we understand and mitigate the physiological effects of spaceflight. The spaceflight hazards-radiation, isolation, confinement, and altered gravity-have the potential to contribute to neuroinflammation and produce long-term cognitive and behavioral effects-while the fifth hazard, distance from earth, limits capabilities to mitigate these risks. Accumulated evidence suggests that nutrition has an important role in optimizing cognition and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases caused by neuroinflammation. Here we review the nutritional perspective of how these spaceflight hazards affect the astronaut's brain, behavior, performance, and sensorimotor function. We also assess potential nutrient/nutritional countermeasures that could prevent or mitigate spaceflight risks and ensure that crewmembers remain healthy and perform well during their missions. Just as history has taught us the importance of nutrition in terrestrial exploration, we must understand the role of nutrition in the development and mitigation of spaceflight risks before humans can successfully explore beyond low-Earth orbit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Zwart
- Univerity of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
| | | | - Thomas J Williams
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Mail Code SK3, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX, 77058, USA
| | - Kerry George
- KBR, 2400 E NASA Parkway, Houston, TX, 77058, USA
| | - Scott M Smith
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Mail Code SK3, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX, 77058, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Holden S, Perez R, Hall R, Fallgren CM, Ponnaiya B, Garty G, Brenner DJ, Weil MM, Raber J. Effects of Acute and Chronic Exposure to a Mixed Field of Neutrons and Photons and Single or Fractionated Simulated Galactic Cosmic Ray Exposure on Behavioral and Cognitive Performance in Mice. Radiat Res 2021; 196:31-39. [PMID: 33857301 DOI: 10.1667/rade-20-00228.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
During space missions, astronauts experience acute and chronic low-dose-rate radiation exposures. Given the clear gap of knowledge regarding such exposures, we assessed the effects acute and chronic exposure to a mixed field of neutrons and photons and single or fractionated simulated galactic cosmic ray exposure (GCRsim) on behavioral and cognitive performance in mice. In addition, we assessed the effects of an aspirin-containing diet in the presence and absence of chronic exposure to a mixed field of neutrons and photons. In C3H male mice, there were effects of acute radiation exposure on activity levels in the open field containing objects. In addition, there were radiation-aspirin interactions for effects of chronic radiation exposure on activity levels and measures of anxiety in the open field, and on activity levels in the open field containing objects. There were also detrimental effects of aspirin and chronic radiation exposure on the ability of mice to distinguish the familiar and novel object. Finally, there were effects of acute GCRsim on activity levels in the open field containing objects. Activity levels were lower in GCRsim than sham-irradiated mice. Thus, acute and chronic irradiation to a mixture of neutrons and photons and acute and fractionated GCRsim have differential effects on behavioral and cognitive performance of C3H mice. Within the limitations of our study design, aspirin does not appear to be a suitable countermeasure for effects of chronic exposure to space radiation on cognitive performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Holden
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Division of Neuroscience ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Ruby Perez
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Division of Neuroscience ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Reed Hall
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Division of Neuroscience ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Christina M Fallgren
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523
| | - Brian Ponnaiya
- Columbia University Center for Radiological Research, New York, New York 10032
| | - Guy Garty
- Columbia University Center for Radiological Research, New York, New York 10032
| | - David J Brenner
- Columbia University Center for Radiological Research, New York, New York 10032
| | - Michael M Weil
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523
| | - Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Division of Neuroscience ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239.,Department of Neurology and Radiation Medicine, Division of Neuroscience ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Swinton C, Kiffer F, McElroy T, Wang J, Sridharan V, Boerma M, Allen AR. Effects of 16O charged-particle irradiation on cognition, hippocampal morphology and mutagenesis in female mice. Behav Brain Res 2021; 407:113257. [PMID: 33794227 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The effects of radiation in space on human cognition are a growing concern for NASA scientists and astronauts as the possibility for long-duration missions to Mars becomes more tangible. Oxygen (16O) radiation is of utmost interest considering that astronauts will interact with this radiation frequently. 16O radiation is a class of galactic cosmic ray (GCR) radiation and also present within spacecrafts. Whole-body exposure to high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation has been shown to affect hippocampal-dependent cognition. To assess the effects of high-LET radiation, we gave 6-month-old female C57BL/6 mice whole-body exposure to 16O at 0.25 or 0.1 Gy at NASA's Space Radiation Laboratory. Three months following irradiation, animals were tested for cognitive performance using the Y-maze and Novel Object Recognition paradigms. Our behavioral data shows that 16O radiation significantly impairs object memory but not spatial memory. Also, dendritic morphology characterized by the Sholl analysis showed that 16O radiation significantly decreased dendritic branch points, ends, length, and complexity in 0.1 Gy and 0.25 Gy dosages. Finally, we found no significant effect of radiation on single nucleotide polymorphisms in hippocampal genes related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and immediate early genes. Our data suggest exposure to heavy ion 16O radiation modulates hippocampal neurons and induces behavioral deficits at a time point of three months after exposure in female mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chase Swinton
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, United States.
| | - Frederico Kiffer
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, United States.
| | - Taylor McElroy
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, United States; Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, United States.
| | - Jing Wang
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, United States.
| | - Vijayalakshmi Sridharan
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, United States.
| | - Marjan Boerma
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, United States.
| | - Antiño R Allen
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, United States; Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Britten RA, Wellman LL, Sanford LD. Progressive increase in the complexity and translatability of rodent testing to assess space-radiation induced cognitive impairment. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 126:159-174. [PMID: 33766676 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ground-based rodent models have established that space radiation doses (approximately those that astronauts will be exposed to on a mission to Mars) significantly impair performance in a wide range of cognitive tasks. Over the last 40 years there has been a progressive increase in both the complexity and the translatability (to humans) of the cognitive tasks investigated. This review outlines technical and conceptual advances in space radiation rodent testing approaches, along with the advances in analytical approaches, that will make data from ground based studies more amenable to probabilistic risk analysis. While great progress has been made in determining the impact of space radiation on many advanced cognitive processes, challenges remain that need to be addressed prior to commencing deep space missions. A summary of on-going attempts to address existing knowledge gaps and the critical role that rodent studies will have in establishing the impact of space radiation on even more complex (human) cognitive tasks are presented and discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Britten
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA; Leroy T Canoles Jr. Cancer Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA; Center for Integrative Neuroscience and Inflammatory Diseases, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA.
| | - Laurie L Wellman
- Center for Integrative Neuroscience and Inflammatory Diseases, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA; Department of Pathology & Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA
| | - Larry D Sanford
- Center for Integrative Neuroscience and Inflammatory Diseases, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA; Department of Pathology & Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Laiakis EC, Shuryak I, Deziel A, Wang YW, Barnette BL, Yu Y, Ullrich RL, Fornace AJ, Emmett MR. Effects of Low Dose Space Radiation Exposures on the Splenic Metabolome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3070. [PMID: 33802822 PMCID: PMC8002539 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Future space missions will include a return to the Moon and long duration deep space roundtrip missions to Mars. Leaving the protection that Low Earth Orbit provides will unavoidably expose astronauts to higher cumulative doses of space radiation, in addition to other stressors, e.g., microgravity. Immune regulation is known to be impacted by both radiation and spaceflight and it remains to be seen whether prolonged effects that will be encountered in deep space can have an adverse impact on health. In this study, we investigated the effects in the overall metabolism of three different low dose radiation exposures (γ-rays, 16O, and 56Fe) in spleens from male C57BL/6 mice at 1, 2, and 4 months after exposure. Forty metabolites were identified with significant enrichment in purine metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle, fatty acids, acylcarnitines, and amino acids. Early perturbations were more prominent in the γ irradiated samples, while later responses shifted towards more prominent responses in groups with high energy particle irradiations. Regression analysis showed a positive correlation of the abundance of identified fatty acids with time and a negative association with γ-rays, while the degradation pathway of purines was positively associated with time. Taken together, there is a strong suggestion of mitochondrial implication and the possibility of long-term effects on DNA repair and nucleotide pools following radiation exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evagelia C. Laiakis
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (A.D.); (Y.-W.W.); (A.J.F.J.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Igor Shuryak
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Annabella Deziel
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (A.D.); (Y.-W.W.); (A.J.F.J.)
| | - Yi-Wen Wang
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (A.D.); (Y.-W.W.); (A.J.F.J.)
| | - Brooke L. Barnette
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (B.L.B.); (Y.Y.); (M.R.E.)
| | - Yongjia Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (B.L.B.); (Y.Y.); (M.R.E.)
| | | | - Albert J. Fornace
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (A.D.); (Y.-W.W.); (A.J.F.J.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Mark R. Emmett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (B.L.B.); (Y.Y.); (M.R.E.)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Life-long brain compensatory responses to galactic cosmic radiation exposure. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4292. [PMID: 33619310 PMCID: PMC7900210 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83447-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) composed of high-energy, heavy particles (HZE) poses potentially serious hazards to long-duration crewed missions in deep space beyond earth’s magnetosphere, including planned missions to Mars. Chronic effects of GCR exposure on brain structure and cognitive function are poorly understood, thereby limiting risk reduction and mitigation strategies to protect against sequelae from exposure during and after deep-space travel. Given the selective vulnerability of the hippocampus to neurotoxic insult and the importance of this brain region to learning and memory, we hypothesized that GCR-relevant HZE exposure may induce long-term alterations in adult hippocampal neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. To test this hypothesis, we irradiated 3-month-old male and female mice with a single, whole-body dose of 10, 50, or 100 cGy 56Fe ions (600 MeV, 181 keV/μm) at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Our data reveal complex, dynamic, time-dependent effects of HZE exposure on the hippocampus. Two months post exposure, neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity and learning were impaired compared to sham-irradiated, age-matched controls. By six months post-exposure, deficits in spatial learning were absent in irradiated mice, and synaptic potentiation was enhanced. Enhanced performance in spatial learning and facilitation of synaptic plasticity in irradiated mice persisted 12 months post-exposure, concomitant with a dramatic rebound in adult-born neurons. Synaptic plasticity and spatial learning remained enhanced 20 months post-exposure, indicating a life-long influence on plasticity and cognition from a single exposure to HZE in young adulthood. These findings suggest that GCR-exposure can persistently alter brain health and cognitive function during and after long-duration travel in deep space.
Collapse
|
13
|
Girgis M, Li Y, Jayatilake M, Gill K, Wang S, Makambi K, Sridharan V, Cheema AK. Short-term metabolic disruptions in urine of mouse models following exposure to low doses of oxygen ion radiation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2021; 39:234-249. [PMID: 33902388 PMCID: PMC9757021 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2020.1868866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Molecular alterations as a result of exposure to low doses of high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation can have deleterious short- and long-term consequences on crew members embarking on long distance space missions. Oxygen ions (16O) are among the high LET charged particles that make up the radiation environment inside a vehicle in deep space. We used mass spectrometry-based metabolomics to characterize urinary metabolic profiles of male C57BL/6J mice exposed to a single dose of 0.1, 0.25 and 1.0 Gy of 16O (600 MeV/n) at 10 and 30 days post-exposure to delineate radiation-induced metabolic alterations. We recognized a significant down regulation of several classes of metabolites including cresols and tryptophan metabolites, ketoacids and their derivatives upon exposure to 0.1 and 0.25 Gy after 10 days. While some of these changes reverted to near normal by 30 days, some metabolites including p-Cresol sulfate, oxalosuccinic acid, and indoxylsulfate remained dysregulated at 30 days, suggesting long term prognosis on metabolism. Pathway analysis revealed a long-term dysregulation in multiple pathways including tryptophan and porphyrin metabolism. These results suggest that low doses of high-LET charged particle irradiation may have long-term implications on metabolic imbalance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Girgis
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Yaoxiang Li
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Meth Jayatilake
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kirandeep Gill
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sirao Wang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kepher Makambi
- Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Biomathematics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Vijayalakshmi Sridharan
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Amrita K Cheema
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Davis CM, Allen AR, Bowles DE. Consequences of space radiation on the brain and cardiovascular system. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2021; 39:180-218. [PMID: 33902387 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2021.1891825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Staying longer in outer space will inevitably increase the health risks of astronauts due to the exposures to galactic cosmic rays and solar particle events. Exposure may pose a significant hazard to space flight crews not only during the mission but also later, when slow-developing adverse effects could finally become apparent. The body of literature examining ground-based outcomes in response to high-energy charged-particle radiation suggests differential effects in response to different particles and energies. Numerous animal and cellular models have repeatedly demonstrated the negative effects of high-energy charged-particle on the brain and cognitive function. However, research on the role of space radiation in potentiating cardiovascular dysfunction is still in its early stages. This review summarizes the available data from studies using ground-based animal models to evaluate the response of the brain and heart to the high-energy charged particles of GCR and SPE, addresses potential sex differences in these effects, and aims to highlight gaps in the current literature for future study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Davis
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Antiño R Allen
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Dawn E Bowles
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cahoon DS, Shukitt-Hale B, Bielinski DF, Hawkins EM, Cacioppo AM, Rabin BM. Effects of partial- or whole-body exposures to 56Fe particles on brain function and cognitive performance in rats. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2020; 27:56-63. [PMID: 34756230 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2020.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
On exploratory class missions, such as a mission to Mars, astronauts will be exposed to particles of high energy and charge (HZE particles). Exposure to HZE particles produces changes in neuronal function and can disrupt cognitive performance. Cells throughout the entire body, not just the brain, will be impacted by these particles. To determine the possible effects that irradiation of the body might have on neuronal function and cognitive performance, rats were given head-only, body-only or whole-body exposures to 56Fe particles. Cognitive performance (novel object recognition, operant responding) was tested in one set of animals; changes in brain function (oxidative stress, neuroinflammation) was tested in a second set of rats. The results indicated that there were no consistent differences in either behavioral or neurochemical endpoints as a function of the location of the irradiation. These results suggest that radiation to the body can impact the brain, therefore it may be necessary to re-evaluate the estimates of the risk of HZE particle-induced changes in neuronal function and cognitive performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle S Cahoon
- USDA-ARS, Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts Univ., Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Barbara Shukitt-Hale
- USDA-ARS, Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts Univ., Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Donna F Bielinski
- USDA-ARS, Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts Univ., Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Yamanouchi S, Rhone J, Mao JH, Fujiwara K, Saganti PB, Takahashi A, Hada M. Simultaneous Exposure of Cultured Human Lymphoblastic Cells to Simulated Microgravity and Radiation Increases Chromosome Aberrations. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:E187. [PMID: 32927618 PMCID: PMC7555395 DOI: 10.3390/life10090187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During space travel, humans are continuously exposed to two major environmental stresses, microgravity (μG) and space radiation. One of the fundamental questions is whether the two stressors are interactive. For over half a century, many studies were carried out in space, as well as using devices that simulated μG on the ground to investigate gravity effects on cells and organisms, and we have gained insights into how living organisms respond to μG. However, our knowledge on how to assess and manage human health risks in long-term mission to the Moon or Mars is drastically limited. For example, little information is available on how cells respond to simultaneous exposure to space radiation and μG. In this study, we analyzed the frequencies of chromosome aberrations (CA) in cultured human lymphoblastic TK6 cells exposed to X-ray or carbon ion under the simulated μG conditions. A higher frequency of both simple and complex types of CA were observed in cells exposed to radiation and μG simultaneously compared to CA frequency in cells exposed to radiation only. Our study shows that the dose response data on space radiation obtained at the 1G condition could lead to the underestimation of astronauts' potential risk for health deterioration, including cancer. This study also emphasizes the importance of obtaining data on the molecular and cellular responses to irradiation under μG conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sakuya Yamanouchi
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan;
| | - Jordan Rhone
- Radiation Institute for Science & Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77446, USA; (J.R.); (P.B.S.)
| | - Jian-Hua Mao
- Biological Systems & Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA;
| | - Keigi Fujiwara
- Department of Cardiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Premkumar B. Saganti
- Radiation Institute for Science & Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77446, USA; (J.R.); (P.B.S.)
| | - Akihisa Takahashi
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan;
| | - Megumi Hada
- Radiation Institute for Science & Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77446, USA; (J.R.); (P.B.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Raber J, Fuentes Anaya A, Torres ERS, Lee J, Boutros S, Grygoryev D, Hammer A, Kasschau KD, Sharpton TJ, Turker MS, Kronenberg A. Effects of Six Sequential Charged Particle Beams on Behavioral and Cognitive Performance in B6D2F1 Female and Male Mice. Front Physiol 2020; 11:959. [PMID: 32982769 PMCID: PMC7485338 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The radiation environment astronauts are exposed to in deep space includes galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) with different proportions of all naturally occurring ions. To assist NASA with assessment of risk to the brain following exposure to a mixture of ions broadly representative of the GCR, we assessed the behavioral and cognitive performance of female and male C57BL/6J × DBA2/J F1 (B6D2F1) mice two months following rapidly delivered, sequential 6 beam irradiation with protons (1 GeV, LET = 0.24 keV, 50%), 4He ions (250 MeV/n, LET = 1.6 keV/μm, 20%), 16O ions (250 MeV/n, LET = 25 keV/μm 7.5%), 28Si ions (263 MeV/n, LET = 78 keV/μm, 7.5%), 48Ti ions (1 GeV/n, LET = 107 keV/μm, 7.5%), and 56Fe ions (1 GeV/n, LET = 151 keV/μm, 7.5%) at 0, 25, 50, or 200 cGy) at 4-6 months of age. When the activity over 3 days of open field habituation was analyzed in female mice, those irradiated with 50 cGy moved less and spent less time in the center than sham-irradiated mice. Sham-irradiated female mice and those irradiated with 25 cGy showed object recognition. However, female mice exposed to 50 or 200 cGy did not show object recognition. When fear memory was assessed in passive avoidance tests, sham-irradiated mice and mice irradiated with 25 cGy showed memory retention while mice exposed to 50 or 200 cGy did not. The effects of radiation passive avoidance memory retention were not sex-dependent. There was no effect of radiation on depressive-like behavior in the forced swim test. There was a trend toward an effect of radiation on BDNF levels in the cortex of males, but not for females, with higher levels in male mice irradiated with 50 cGy than sham-irradiated. Finally, sequential 6-ion irradiation impacted the composition of the gut microbiome in a sex-dependent fashion. Taxa were uncovered whose relative abundance in the gut was associated with the radiation dose received. Thus, exposure to sequential six-beam irradiation significantly affects behavioral and cognitive performance and the gut microbiome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Departments of Neurology and Radiation Medicine, Division of Neuroscience ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Andrea Fuentes Anaya
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Eileen Ruth S. Torres
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Joanne Lee
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Sydney Boutros
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Dmytro Grygoryev
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences and Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Austin Hammer
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Kristin D. Kasschau
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Thomas J. Sharpton
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
- Department of Statistics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Mitchell S. Turker
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences and Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Amy Kronenberg
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kiffer F, Alexander T, Anderson J, Groves T, McElroy T, Wang J, Sridharan V, Bauer M, Boerma M, Allen A. Late Effects of 1H + 16O on Short-Term and Object Memory, Hippocampal Dendritic Morphology and Mutagenesis. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:96. [PMID: 32670032 PMCID: PMC7332779 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The space extending beyond Earth’s magnetosphere is subject to a complex field of high-energy charged nuclei, which are capable of traversing spacecraft shielding and human tissues, inducing dense ionization events. The central nervous system is a major area of concern for astronauts who will be exposed to the deep-space radiation environment on a mission to Mars, as charged-particle radiation has been shown to elicit changes to the dendritic arbor within the hippocampus of rodents, and related cognitive-behavioral deficits. We exposed 6-month-old male mice to whole-body 1H (0.5 Gy; 150 MeV/n; 18–19 cGy/minute) and an hour later to 16O (0.1Gy; 600 MeV/n; 18–33 Gy/min) at NASA’s Space Radiation Laboratory as a galactic cosmic ray-relevant model. Animals were housed with bedding which provides cognitive enrichment. Mice were tested for cognitive behavior 9 months after exposure to elucidate late radiation effects. Radiation induced significant deficits in novel object recognition and short-term spatial memory (Y-maze). Additionally, we observed opposing morphological differences between the mature granular and pyramidal neurons throughout the hippocampus, with increased dendritic length in the dorsal dentate gyrus and reduced length and complexity in the CA1 subregion of the hippocampus. Dendritic spine analyses revealed a severe reduction in mushroom spine density throughout the hippocampus of irradiated animals. Finally, we detected no general effect of radiation on single-nucleotide polymorphisms in immediate early genes, and genes involved in inflammation but found a higher variant allele frequency in the antioxidants thioredoxin reductase 2 and 3 loci.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederico Kiffer
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Tyler Alexander
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Julie Anderson
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Thomas Groves
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Taylor McElroy
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Jing Wang
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Vijayalakshmi Sridharan
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Michael Bauer
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Marjan Boerma
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Antiño Allen
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Perez RE, Younger S, Bertheau E, Fallgren CM, Weil MM, Raber J. Effects of chronic exposure to a mixed field of neutrons and photons on behavioral and cognitive performance in mice. Behav Brain Res 2019; 379:112377. [PMID: 31765722 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
To simulate the space radiation environment astronauts are exposed to, most studies involve acute exposures but during a space mission there will be chronic (long-lasting) exposures. To address this knowledge gap, a neutron irradiator using a 252Cf (252Californium) source was used to generate a mixed field of neutrons and photons to simulate chronic, low dose rate exposures to high LET radiation. In the present study, we assessed the effects chronic neutron exposure starting at 60 days of age on behavioral and cognitive performance of BALB/c female and C3H male mice at 600 and 700 days of age as part of an opportunistic study that took advantage of the availability of neutron and sham-irradiated mice from a radiation carcinogenesis experiment. There were profound dose- and time point-dependent effects of chronic neutron exposure. At the 600-day time point, irradiated BALB/c female mice showed improved nest building at all three doses. At the 700-day, but not 600-day, time point slightly but significantly increased body weights were seen in C3H male mice exposed to 0.118 Gy. At the 600-day time point BALB/c female mice irradiated with 0.2 Gy did, like sham-irradiated, not show preferential exploration of the novel object that was seen in mice irradiated with 0.118 or 0.4 Gy. In C3H male mice exposed to 0.4 Gy and at the 600-day time point, increased measures of anxiety were observed on days 1 and 2 in the open field. Thus, different outcome measures show distinct dose-response relationships, with some anticipated to worsen performance during space missions, like increased measures of anxiety, while other anticipated to enhance performance, such as increased nest building and object recognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruby E Perez
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Skyler Younger
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Elin Bertheau
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Christina M Fallgren
- Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Michael M Weil
- Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Departments of Neurology and Radiation Medicine, Division of Neuroscience ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kiffer F, Boerma M, Allen A. Behavioral effects of space radiation: A comprehensive review of animal studies. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2019; 21:1-21. [PMID: 31101151 PMCID: PMC7150604 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
As NASA prepares for the first manned mission to Mars in the next 20 years, close attention has been placed on the cognitive welfare of astronauts, who will likely endure extended durations in confinement and microgravity and be subjected to the radioactive charged particles travelling at relativistic speeds in interplanetary space. The future of long-duration manned spaceflight, thus, depends on understanding the individual hazards associated with the environment beyond Earth's protective magnetosphere. Ground-based single-particle studies of exposed mice and rats have, in the last 30 years, overwhelmingly reported deficits in their cognitive behaviors. However, as particle-accelerator technologies at NASA's Space Radiation Laboratory continue to progress, more realistic representations of space radiation are materializing, including multiple-particle exposures and, eventually, at multiple energy distributions. These advancements help determine how to best mitigate possible hazards due to space radiation. However, risk models will depend on delineating which particles are most responsible for specific behavioral outcomes and whether multiple-particle exposures produce synergistic effects. Here, we review the literature on animal exposures by particle, energy, and behavioral assay to inform future mixed-field radiation studies of possible behavioral outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederico Kiffer
- Division of Radiation Health, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.
| | - Marjan Boerma
- Division of Radiation Health, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.
| | - Antiño Allen
- Division of Radiation Health, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States; Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Raber J, Yamazaki J, Torres ERS, Kirchoff N, Stagaman K, Sharpton T, Turker MS, Kronenberg A. Combined Effects of Three High-Energy Charged Particle Beams Important for Space Flight on Brain, Behavioral and Cognitive Endpoints in B6D2F1 Female and Male Mice. Front Physiol 2019; 10:179. [PMID: 30914962 PMCID: PMC6422905 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The radiation environment in deep space includes the galactic cosmic radiation with different proportions of all naturally occurring ions from protons to uranium. Most experimental animal studies for assessing the biological effects of charged particles have involved acute dose delivery for single ions and/or fractionated exposure protocols. Here, we assessed the behavioral and cognitive performance of female and male C57BL/6J × DBA2/J F1 (B6D2F1) mice 2 months following rapidly delivered, sequential irradiation with protons (1 GeV, 60%), 16O (250 MeV/n, 20%), and 28Si (263 MeV/n, 20%) at 0, 25, 50, or 200 cGy at 4-6 months of age. Cortical BDNF, CD68, and MAP-2 levels were analyzed 3 months after irradiation or sham irradiation. During the dark period, male mice irradiated with 50 cGy showed higher activity levels in the home cage than sham-irradiated mice. Mice irradiated with 50 cGy also showed increased depressive behavior in the forced swim test. When cognitive performance was assessed, sham-irradiated mice of both sexes and mice irradiated with 25 cGy showed normal responses to object recognition and novel object exploration. However, object recognition was impaired in female and male mice irradiated with 50 or 200 cGy. For cortical levels of the neurotrophic factor BDNF and the marker of microglial activation CD68, there were sex × radiation interactions. In females, but not males, there were increased CD68 levels following irradiation. In males, but not females, there were reduced BDNF levels following irradiation. A significant positive correlation between BDNF and CD68 levels was observed, suggesting a role for activated microglia in the alterations in BDNF levels. Finally, sequential beam irradiation impacted the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome. These included dose-dependent impacts and alterations to the relative abundance of several gut genera, such as Butyricicoccus and Lachnospiraceae. Thus, exposure to rapidly delivered sequential proton, 16O ion, and 28Si ion irradiation significantly affects behavioral and cognitive performance, cortical levels of CD68 and BDNF in a sex-dependent fashion, and the gut microbiome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,Department of Radiation Medicine, Division of Neuroscience ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Joy Yamazaki
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Eileen Ruth S Torres
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Nicole Kirchoff
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Keaton Stagaman
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Thomas Sharpton
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States.,Department of Statistics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Mitchell S Turker
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Amy Kronenberg
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kiffer F, Alexander T, Anderson JE, Groves T, Wang J, Sridharan V, Boerma M, Allen AR. Late Effects of 16O-Particle Radiation on Female Social and Cognitive Behavior and Hippocampal Physiology. Radiat Res 2019; 191:278-294. [PMID: 30664396 DOI: 10.1667/rr15092.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The radiation environment in space remains a major concern for manned space exploration, as there is currently no shielding material capable of fully protecting flight crews. Additionally, there is growing concern for the social and cognitive welfare of astronauts, due to prolonged radiation exposure and confinement they will experience on a mission to Mars. In this artice, we report on the late effects of 16O-particle radiation on social and cognitive behavior and neuronal morphology in the hippocampus of adult female mice. Six-month-old mice received 16O-particle whole-body irradiation at doses of either 0.25 or 0.1 Gy (600 MeV/n; 18-33 cGy/min) at the NASA's Space Radiation Laboratory in Upton, NY. At nine months postirradiation, the animals underwent behavioral testing in the three-chamber sociability, novel object recognition and Y-maze paradigms. Exposure to 0.1 or 0.25 Gy 16O significantly impaired object memory, a 0.25 Gy dose impaired social novelty learning, but neither dosage impaired short-term spatial memory. We observed significant decreases in mushroom spine density and dendrite morphology in the dentate gyrus, cornu ammonis 3, 2 and 1 of the hippocampus, which are critical areas for object novelty and sociability processing. Our data suggest exposure to 16O modulates hippocampal pyramidal and granular neurons and induces behavioral deficits at a time point of nine months after exposure in females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederico Kiffer
- a Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Tyler Alexander
- a Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Julie E Anderson
- a Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Thomas Groves
- a Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.,c Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Jing Wang
- a Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Vijayalakshmi Sridharan
- a Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Marjan Boerma
- a Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Antiño R Allen
- a Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.,c Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Short and Long-Term Changes in Social Odor Recognition and Plasma Cytokine Levels Following Oxygen ( 16O) Ion Radiation Exposure. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20020339. [PMID: 30650610 PMCID: PMC6359552 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Future long-duration space missions will involve travel outside of the Earth’s magnetosphere protection and will result in astronauts being exposed to high energy and charge (HZE) ions and protons. Exposure to this type of radiation can result in damage to the central nervous system and deficits in numerous cognitive domains that can jeopardize mission success. Social processing is a cognitive domain that is important for people living and working in groups, such as astronauts, but it has received little attention in terms of HZE ion exposure. In the current study, we assessed the effects of whole-body oxygen ion (16O; 1000 MeV/n) exposure (1 or 10 cGy) on social odor recognition memory in male Long-Evans rats at one and six months following exposure. Radiation exposure did not affect rats’ preferences for a novel social odor experienced during Habituation at either time point. However, rats exposed to 10 cGy displayed short and long-term deficits in 24-h social recognition. In contrast, rats exposed to 1 cGy only displayed long-term deficits in 24-h social recognition. While an age-related decrease in Ki67+ staining (a marker of cell proliferation) was found in the subventricular zone, it was unaffected by radiation exposure. At one month following exposure, plasma KC/GRO (CXCL1) levels were elevated in the 1 cGy rats, but not in the 10 cGy rats, suggesting that peripheral levels of this cytokine could be associated with intact social recognition at earlier time points following radiation exposure. These results have important implications for long-duration missions and demonstrate that behaviors related to social processing could be negatively affected by HZE ion exposure.
Collapse
|
24
|
Howe A, Kiffer F, Alexander TC, Sridharan V, Wang J, Ntagwabira F, Rodriguez A, Boerma M, Allen AR. Long-Term Changes in Cognition and Physiology after Low-Dose 16O Irradiation. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20010188. [PMID: 30621014 PMCID: PMC6337104 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Astronauts traveling to Mars will be exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation upon leaving low-Earth orbit. During prolonged space travel, astronauts are exposed to galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) composed of protons; oxygen molecules; and high energy, high mass charged particles. Notably, oxygen molecules can travel through the shielding of spacecraft, potentially impacting 25% of the hippocampus. The aim of the current study was to assess whether 16O-particle radiation induced a behavioral deficit and histological changes in mice. Mice were sent to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Radiation Laboratory at Brookhaven National Laboratory and exposed to particulate 16O radiation at doses of 0 and 0.05 Gy. Nine months after irradiation, the mice were tested for novel object recognition and in the Y-maze, after which the animals were sacrificed. The brains were then dissected along the midsagittal plane for Golgi staining. Exposure to 0.05 Gy significantly impaired novel object recognition. However, short term memory and exploratory activity in the Y-maze were not affected. Micromorphometric analysis revealed significant decreases in mushroom spine density in the dentate gyrus and cornu Ammonis-1 and -3 of the hippocampus. Sholl analysis revealed a significant decrease in dendritic complexity in the dentate gyrus. The present data provide evidence that space radiation has deleterious effects on mature neurons associated with hippocampal learning and memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Howe
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Frederico Kiffer
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Tyler C Alexander
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Vijayalakshmi Sridharan
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Jing Wang
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Fabio Ntagwabira
- Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Analiz Rodriguez
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Marjan Boerma
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Antiño R Allen
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
- Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Jewell JS, Duncan VD, Fesshaye A, Tondin A, Macadat E, Britten RA. Exposure to ≤15 cGy of 600 MeV/n 56Fe Particles Impairs Rule Acquisition but not Long-Term Memory in the Attentional Set-Shifting Assay. Radiat Res 2018; 190:565-575. [DOI: 10.1667/rr15085.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S. Jewell
- Department of a Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507
| | - Vania D. Duncan
- Department of a Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507
| | - Arriyam Fesshaye
- Department of a Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507
| | - Abigail Tondin
- Department of a Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507
| | - Evangeline Macadat
- Department of a Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507
| | - Richard A. Britten
- Department of a Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Whole-Body 12C Irradiation Transiently Decreases Mouse Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus Proliferation and Immature Neuron Number, but Does Not Change New Neuron Survival Rate. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19103078. [PMID: 30304778 PMCID: PMC6213859 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
High-charge and -energy (HZE) particles comprise space radiation and they pose a challenge to astronauts on deep space missions. While exposure to most HZE particles decreases neurogenesis in the hippocampus—a brain structure important in memory—prior work suggests that 12C does not. However, much about 12C’s influence on neurogenesis remains unknown, including the time course of its impact on neurogenesis. To address this knowledge gap, male mice (9–11 weeks of age) were exposed to whole-body 12C irradiation 100 cGy (IRR; 1000 MeV/n; 8 kEV/µm) or Sham treatment. To birthdate dividing cells, mice received BrdU i.p. 22 h post-irradiation and brains were harvested 2 h (Short-Term) or three months (Long-Term) later for stereological analysis indices of dentate gyrus neurogenesis. For the Short-Term time point, IRR mice had fewer Ki67, BrdU, and doublecortin (DCX) immunoreactive (+) cells versus Sham mice, indicating decreased proliferation (Ki67, BrdU) and immature neurons (DCX). For the Long-Term time point, IRR and Sham mice had similar Ki67+ and DCX+ cell numbers, suggesting restoration of proliferation and immature neurons 3 months post-12C irradiation. IRR mice had fewer surviving BrdU+ cells versus Sham mice, suggesting decreased cell survival, but there was no difference in BrdU+ cell survival rate when compared within treatment and across time point. These data underscore the ability of neurogenesis in the mouse brain to recover from the detrimental effect of 12C exposure.
Collapse
|
27
|
Carr H, Alexander TC, Groves T, Kiffer F, Wang J, Price E, Boerma M, Allen AR. Early effects of 16O radiation on neuronal morphology and cognition in a murine model. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2018; 17:63-73. [PMID: 29753415 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Astronauts exposed to high linear energy transfer radiation may experience cognitive injury. The pathogenesis of this injury is unknown but may involve glutamate receptors or modifications to dendritic structure and/or dendritic spine density and morphology. Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, where it acts on ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors located at the presynaptic terminal and in the postsynaptic membrane at synapses in the hippocampus. Dendritic spines are sites of excitatory synaptic transmission, and changes in spine structure and dendrite morphology are thought to be morphological correlates of altered brain function associated with hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. The aim of the current study is to assess whether behavior, glutamate receptor gene expression, and dendritic structure in the hippocampus are altered in mice after early exposure to 16O radiation in mice. Two weeks post-irradiation, animals were tested for hippocampus-dependent cognitive performance in the Y-maze. During Y-maze testing, mice exposed to 0.1 Gy and 0.25 Gy radiation failed to distinguish the novel arm, spending approximately the same amount of time in all 3 arms during the retention trial. Exposure to 16O significantly reduced the expression of Nr1 and GluR1 in the hippocampus and modulated spine morphology in the dentate gyrus and cornu Ammon 1 within the hippocampus. The present data provide evidence that 16O radiation has early deleterious effects on mature neurons that are associated with hippocampal learning and memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Carr
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
| | - Tyler C Alexander
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
| | - Thomas Groves
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States; Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
| | - Frederico Kiffer
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
| | - Jing Wang
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
| | - Elvin Price
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
| | - Marjan Boerma
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
| | - Antiño R Allen
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States; Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Mange A, Cao Y, Zhang S, Hienz RD, Davis CM. Whole-Body Oxygen (16O) Ion-Exposure-Induced Impairments in Social Odor Recognition Memory in Rats are Dose and Time Dependent. Radiat Res 2018; 189:292-299. [DOI: 10.1667/rr14849.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ami Mange
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yuqing Cao
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Sandy Spring Friends School, Sandy Spring, Maryland
| | - SiYuan Zhang
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Sandy Spring Friends School, Sandy Spring, Maryland
| | - Robert D. Hienz
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Institutes for Behavior Resources, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Catherine M. Davis
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Kiffer F, Carr H, Groves T, Anderson JE, Alexander T, Wang J, Seawright JW, Sridharan V, Carter G, Boerma M, Allen AR. Effects of 1H + 16O Charged Particle Irradiation on Short-Term Memory and Hippocampal Physiology in a Murine Model. Radiat Res 2017; 189:53-63. [PMID: 29136391 DOI: 10.1667/rr14843.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Radiation from galactic cosmic rays (GCR) poses a significant health risk for deep-space flight crews. GCR are unique in their extremely high-energy particles. With current spacecraft shielding technology, some of the predominant particles astronauts would be exposed to are 1H + 16O. Radiation has been shown to cause cognitive deficits in mice. The hippocampus plays a key role in memory and cognitive tasks; it receives information from the cortex, undergoes dendritic-dependent processing and then relays information back to the cortex. In this study, we investigated the effects of combined 1H + 16O irradiation on cognition and dendritic structures in the hippocampus of adult male mice three months postirradiation. Six-month-old male C57BL/6 mice were irradiated first with 1H (0.5 Gy, 150 MeV/n) and 1 h later with 16O (0.1 Gy, 600 MeV/n) at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (Upton, NY). Three months after irradiation, animals were tested for hippocampus-dependent cognitive performance using the Y-maze. Upon sacrifice, molecular and morphological assessments were performed on hippocampal tissues. During Y-maze testing, the irradiated mice failed to distinguish the novel arm, spending approximately the same amount of time in all three arms during the retention trial relative to sham-treated controls. Irradiated animals also showed changes in expression of glutamate receptor subunits and synaptic density-associated proteins. 1H + 16O radiation compromised dendritic morphology in the cornu ammonis 1 and dentate gyrus within the hippocampus. These data indicate cognitive injuries due to 1H + 16O at three months postirradiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederico Kiffer
- a Division of Radiation Health.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Hannah Carr
- a Division of Radiation Health.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Thomas Groves
- a Division of Radiation Health.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.,c Center for Translational Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Julie E Anderson
- a Division of Radiation Health.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Tyler Alexander
- a Division of Radiation Health.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Jing Wang
- a Division of Radiation Health.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - John W Seawright
- a Division of Radiation Health.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | | | - Gwendolyn Carter
- a Division of Radiation Health.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Marjan Boerma
- a Division of Radiation Health.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Antiño R Allen
- a Division of Radiation Health.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.,c Center for Translational Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Olsen RHJ, Weber SJ, Akinyeke T, Raber J. Enhanced cued fear memory following post-training whole body irradiation of 3-month-old mice. Behav Brain Res 2017; 319:181-187. [PMID: 27865918 PMCID: PMC5924676 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 11/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Typically, in studies designed to assess effects of irradiation on cognitive performance the animals are trained and tested for cognitive function following irradiation. Little is known about post-training effects of irradiation on cognitive performance. In the current study, 3-month-old male mice were irradiated with X-rays 24h following training in a fear conditioning paradigm and cognitively tested starting two weeks later. Average motion during the extinction trials, measures of anxiety in the elevated zero maze, and body weight changes over the course of the study were assessed as well. Exposure to whole body irradiation 24h following training in a fear conditioning resulted in greater freezing levels 2 weeks after training. In addition, motion during both contextual and cued extinction trials was lower in irradiated than sham-irradiated mice. In mice trained for cued fear conditioning, activity levels in the elevated zero maze 12days after sham-irradiation or irradiation were also lower in irradiated than sham-irradiated mice. Finally, the trajectory of body weight changes was affected by irradiation, with lower body weights in irradiated than sham-irradiated mice, with the most profound effect 7days after training. These effects were associated with reduced c-Myc protein levels in the amygdala of the irradiated mice. These data indicate that whole body X ray irradiation of mice at 3 months of age causes persistent alterations in the fear response and activity levels in a novel environment, while the effects on body weight seem more transient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reid H J Olsen
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Sydney J Weber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Tunde Akinyeke
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Departments of Neurology and Radiation Medicine, Division of Neuroscience, ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Poulose SM, Rabin BM, Bielinski DF, Kelly ME, Miller MG, Thanthaeng N, Shukitt-Hale B. Neurochemical differences in learning and memory paradigms among rats supplemented with anthocyanin-rich blueberry diets and exposed to acute doses of 56Fe particles. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2017; 12:16-23. [PMID: 28212704 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The protective effects of anthocyanin-rich blueberries (BB) on brain health are well documented and are particularly important under conditions of high oxidative stress, which can lead to "accelerated aging." One such scenario is exposure to space radiation, consisting of high-energy and -charge particles (HZE), which are known to cause cognitive dysfunction and deleterious neurochemical alterations. We recently tested the behavioral and neurochemical effects of acute exposure to HZE particles such as 56Fe, within 24-48h after exposure, and found that radiation primarily affects memory and not learning. Importantly, we observed that specific brain regions failed to upregulate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms in response to this insult. To further examine these endogenous response mechanisms, we have supplemented young rats with diets rich in BB, which are known to contain high amounts of antioxidant-phytochemicals, prior to irradiation. Exposure to 56Fe caused significant neurochemical changes in hippocampus and frontal cortex, the two critical regions of the brain involved in cognitive function. BB supplementation significantly attenuated protein carbonylation, which was significantly increased by exposure to 56Fe in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. Moreover, BB supplementation significantly reduced radiation-induced elevations in NADPH-oxidoreductase-2 (NOX2) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. Overall results indicate that 56Fe particles may induce their toxic effects on hippocampus and frontal cortex by reactive oxygen species (ROS) overload, which can cause alterations in the neuronal environment, eventually leading to hippocampal neuronal death and subsequent impairment of cognitive function. Blueberry supplementation provides an effective preventative measure to reduce the ROS load on the CNS in an event of acute HZE exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shibu M Poulose
- USDA Human Nutrtion Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, 711 Washington Street, Boston MA 02111, USA
| | | | - Donna F Bielinski
- USDA Human Nutrtion Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, 711 Washington Street, Boston MA 02111, USA
| | - Megan E Kelly
- USDA Human Nutrtion Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, 711 Washington Street, Boston MA 02111, USA
| | - Marshall G Miller
- USDA Human Nutrtion Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, 711 Washington Street, Boston MA 02111, USA
| | - Nopporn Thanthaeng
- USDA Human Nutrtion Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, 711 Washington Street, Boston MA 02111, USA
| | - Barbara Shukitt-Hale
- USDA Human Nutrtion Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, 711 Washington Street, Boston MA 02111, USA.
| |
Collapse
|