Page 28 - 2014 Printable Abstract Book
P. 28
altered synaptic plasticity, membrane properties, ion channels, and an altered balance of excitatory and
inhibitory activity. Recently, structural remodeling of neurons has been demonstrated which is associated
with a decrease in connectivity and the number of synapses. Multiple behavioral tests show that low doses
of charged particles can persistently alter behavioral performance. Experiments with humanized
transgenic animals exhibiting Alzheimer’s disease-like pathologies provide evidence for the acceleration
of the development of pathogenic changes. Reactions of the CNS to heavy ion radiation are dependent
on the type of ion and do not scale linearly with the LET, energy or dose, thereby complicating risk
estimation. While there is considerable uncertainty about the mechanisms underlying CNS responses to
low doses of charged particles, it is now clear that space-like exposures can inhibit their functions and
have to potential to pose significant health risks to spaceflight crews. This presentation will review recent
findings and summarize the CNS responses observed in several experimental models exposed to charged
particles. Supported by NASA Grant NNX10AD59G
26 | P a g e
inhibitory activity. Recently, structural remodeling of neurons has been demonstrated which is associated
with a decrease in connectivity and the number of synapses. Multiple behavioral tests show that low doses
of charged particles can persistently alter behavioral performance. Experiments with humanized
transgenic animals exhibiting Alzheimer’s disease-like pathologies provide evidence for the acceleration
of the development of pathogenic changes. Reactions of the CNS to heavy ion radiation are dependent
on the type of ion and do not scale linearly with the LET, energy or dose, thereby complicating risk
estimation. While there is considerable uncertainty about the mechanisms underlying CNS responses to
low doses of charged particles, it is now clear that space-like exposures can inhibit their functions and
have to potential to pose significant health risks to spaceflight crews. This presentation will review recent
findings and summarize the CNS responses observed in several experimental models exposed to charged
particles. Supported by NASA Grant NNX10AD59G
26 | P a g e
