Fast neutron irradiation deteriorates hippocampus-related memory ability in adult mice.
- Author:
Miyoung YANG
1
;
Hwanseong KIM
;
Juhwan KIM
;
Sung Ho KIM
;
Jong Choon KIM
;
Chun Sik BAE
;
Joong Sun KIM
;
Taekyun SHIN
;
Changjong MOON
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Keywords: fast neutron; hippocampus; learning and memory; neurogenesis
- MeSH: Animals; Cranial Irradiation; *Fast Neutrons; Hippocampus/metabolism/physiology/*radiation effects; Immunohistochemistry; Ki-67 Antigen/metabolism; Male; Memory/physiology/*radiation effects; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Microtubule-Associated Proteins/metabolism; Neurogenesis/physiology/*radiation effects; Neuropeptides/metabolism
- From:Journal of Veterinary Science 2012;13(1):1-6
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Object recognition memory and contextual fear conditioning task performance in adult C57BL/6 mice exposed to cranial fast neutron irradiation (0.8 Gy) were examined to evaluate hippocampus-related behavioral dysfunction following acute exposure to relatively low doses of fast neutrons. In addition, hippocampal neurogenesis changes in adult murine brain after cranial irradiation were analyzed using the neurogenesis immunohistochemical markers Ki-67 and doublecortin (DCX). In the object recognition memory test and contextual fear conditioning, mice trained 1 and 7 days after irradiation displayed significant memory deficits compared to the sham-irradiated controls. The number of Ki-67- and DCX-positive cells decreased significantly 24 h post-irradiation. These results indicate that acute exposure of the adult mouse brain to a relatively low dose of fast neutrons interrupts hippocampal functions, including learning and memory, possibly by inhibiting neurogenesis.
