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, Korea

Abstract

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

Dudkin VE, Potapov YuV, Akopova AB, Melkumyan LV, Benton EV, Frank AL. Differential neutron energy spectra measured on spacecraft in low earth orbit. Int J Rad Appl Instrum D 1990, 17, 87-91.

Dyer CS, Truscott PR, Evans H, Sims AJ, Hammond N, Comber C. Secondary radiation environments in heavy space vehicles and instruments. Adv Space Res 1996, 17, 53-58.

Eguchi-Kasai K, Murakami M, Itsukaichi H, Fukutsu K, Kanai T, Furusawa Y, Sato K, Ohara H, Yatagai F. The role of DNA repair on cell killing by charged particles. Adv Space Res 1996, 18, 109-118.

Grahn D. Genetic risks associated with radiation exposures during space flight. Adv Space Res 1983, 3, 161-170.

Keith JE, Badhwar GD, Lindstrom DJ. Neutron spectrum and dose-equivalent in shuttle flights during solar maximum. Int J Rad Appl Instrum 1992, 20, 41-47.

Kim JS, Jung J, Lee HJ, Kim JC, Wang H, Kim SH, Shin T, Moon C. Differences in immunoreactivities of Ki-67 and doublecortin in the adult hippocampus in three strains of mice. Acta Histochem 2009, 111, 150-156.

Article Statistics

Copyright License

Download Citations

How to Cite

Seoyun Kang. (2024). DISRUPTION OF HIPPOCAMPAL MEMORY SYSTEMS IN ADULT MICE FOLLOWING FAST NEUTRON IRRADIATION. The American Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Wildlife Discovery, 6(06), 7–11. Retrieved from https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajvswd/article/view/5688