Articles
| Open Access | DISRUPTION OF HIPPOCAMPAL MEMORY SYSTEMS IN ADULT MICE FOLLOWING FAST NEUTRON IRRADIATION
Seoyun Kang , College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Medical Institute, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, KoreaAbstract
This study investigates the effects of fast neutron irradiation on hippocampus-related memory systems in adult mice. The hippocampus plays a critical role in memory consolidation and spatial navigation, and its disruption can lead to significant cognitive impairments. Adult male mice were exposed to fast neutron irradiation, and their memory abilities were assessed using behavioral tasks such as the Morris water maze and novel object recognition. Results showed that mice subjected to fast neutron irradiation exhibited significant deficits in both spatial memory and recognition memory compared to control animals. Histological analysis revealed structural changes in the hippocampus, including neuronal damage and a reduction in dendritic branching. These findings suggest that fast neutron irradiation can lead to hippocampal dysfunction, impairing memory processes in adult mice. The results have potential implications for understanding the neurological consequences of radiation exposure, particularly in the context of space exploration, radiotherapy, and environmental radiation risks.
Keywords
Fast neutron irradiation, hippocampus, memory impairment
References
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