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Project Title:  Individual Differences in the Neurochemical and Behavioral Response to Exposure to Protons Reduce
Fiscal Year: FY 2013 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP SR:Space Radiation
Start Date: 05/18/2008  
End Date: 01/31/2013  
Task Last Updated: 04/03/2013 
Download report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Rabin, Bernard M. Ph.D. / University of Maryland, Baltimore County 
Address:  Department of Psychology 
1000 Hilltop Cir 
Baltimore , MD 21250-0001 
Email: rabin@umbc.edu 
Phone: (410) 952-1761  
Congressional District:
Web:  
Organization Type: UNIVERSITY 
Organization Name: University of Maryland, Baltimore County 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Shukitt-Hale, Barbara  USDA, HNRCA 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. NNX08AM66G 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Simonsen, Lisa  
Center Contact:  
lisa.c.simonsen@nasa.gov 
Unique ID: 7112 
Solicitation / Funding Source: 2007 Space Radiation NNJ07ZSA001N 
Grant/Contract No.: NNX08AM66G 
Project Type: GROUND 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No 
No. of Post Docs:  
No. of PhD Candidates:  
No. of Master's Candidates:  
No. of Bachelor's Candidates:
No. of PhD Degrees:  
No. of Master's Degrees:  
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:
Human Research Program Elements: (1) SR:Space Radiation
Human Research Program Risks: (1) BMed:Risk of Adverse Cognitive or Behavioral Conditions and Psychiatric Disorders
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) BMed-102:Given exposures to spaceflight hazards (space radiation, isolation), how do we identify individual susceptibility, monitor molecular/biomarkers and acceptable thresholds, and validate behavioral health and CNS/neurological/neuropsychological performance measures and domains of relevance to exploration class missions?
(2) BMed-103:What are the validated, efficacious treatments (individual or Team-based) and/or countermeasures to prevent adverse behavioral conditions, CNS/neurological, and/or psychiatric disorders caused by either single and/or integrated exposures to spaceflight hazards during exploration class missions?
(3) BMed-104:Given the potentially negative spaceflight associated CNS changes and behavioral experiences of stressors during long-duration missions (e.g., isolation, confinement, reduced sensory stimulation, altered gravity, space radiation), what are validated modifications to habitat/vehicle to mitigate stressors impacting on CNS / cognition / behavioral health?
(4) BMed-105:Given the potentially negative spaceflight associated CNS/cognitive changes and behavioral experiences of stressors during long-duration missions (e.g., isolation, confinement, reduced sensory stimulation, altered gravity, space radiation), what are validated medical or dietary countermeasures to mitigate stressors impacting on CNS / cognition / behavioral health?
(5) BMed-107:What are the long-term changes and risks to astronaut health post-mission that, when using a continuity of care model, helps retrospectively identify and understand individual susceptibility (e.g., hereditary, dose, thresholds) to mitigate adverse CNS, cognitive, and behavioral health changes resulting from long-duration exploration missions, promoting the behavioral health of current and future crews?
Flight Assignment/Project Notes: NOTE: Gap changes per IRP Rev E (Ed., 3/27/14)

NOTE: new end date is 1/31/2013 (previoulsy 5/17/2012) per NSSC information (Ed., 12/21/2011)

NOTE: new end date is 5/17/2012 per NSSC information (Ed., 5/31/2011)

Task Description: Long-term exploratory class missions will increase the risk that astronauts will be exposed to significant doses of protons resulting from solar flares. Evaluating these risks requires knowledge of the potential effects of proton irradiation on a variety of endpoints, including central nervous system (CNS) functioning. However, the effects of exposure to protons on CNS function and on behavior have not been the subject of significant amounts of research. Limited research has produced equivocal results about the consequences of exposure to protons on neurochemical and behavioral endpoints, with some data suggesting an effect of exposure to protons on these endpoints and other data indicating no effect following exposure. The objectives of the experiments detailed in this proposal are to describe and evaluate the effects of exposure to protons on CNS function and behavior and to characterize the role of individual differences, such as gender and age, in modulating the effects of exposure on neurocognitive endpoints.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits:

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2013 
Task Progress: The key findings are:

1. Exposure to 4He particles produces deficits in cognitive performance at doses of 0.1 to 0.5 cGy. These results are consistent with previous observations which indicate that as particle linear energy decreases, there is a concomitant decrease in the dose needed to disrupt cognitive performance.

2. Ovariectomized female rats given implants of estradiol in sesame oil or sesame oil alone (vehicle) prior to exposure to 12C particles. In contrast to the results obtained following exposure to 56Fe particles, there were no differences in cognitive performance as a function of hormonal status at the time of irradiation. The reasons for the differences in the effects of estradiol following exposure to different HZE particles remain to be established.

3. Preliminary data suggest that oxidative stress may play a role in mediating the changes in the disruption of autophagy and in the phosphorylation of tau protein following exposure to HZE particles. Because the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein gives rise to the development of neurofibrillary tangles, this data may link exposure to HZE particles to the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease. Rats that were maintained on antioxidant berry diets (strawberry or blueberry) did not show the changes in autophagy and the development of neurofibrillary tangles. These results indicate: (1) a causal relationship between radiation-induced oxidative stress and neurochemical changes in the central nervous system; and (2) that antioxidant diets may be able to function to reduce the possibility of nervous system dysfunction of exploratory class missions.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 10/16/2023) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Rabin BM, Gomes S, Shukitt-Hale B, Heroux N, Bonilla, J, Carrihill-Knoll, KL. "Reliability of the disruptive effects of exposure to protons on neurocognitive performance." 23rd Annual NASA Space Radiation Investigators’ Workshop, Durham, NC, July 8-11, 2012.

23rd Annual NASA Space Radiation Investigators' Workshop, Durham, NC, July 8-11, 2012. , Jul-2012

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Wyrobeck AJ, Lowe XR, Rabin BM, Marchetti F, Bhatnager S, Snijders A. "Molecular characterization of long-term degenerative CNS risks from space radiation: Studies of molecular and cellular deficits in choroid plexus." 23rd Annual NASA Space Radiation Investigators' Workshop, Durham, NC, July 8-11, 2012.

23rd Annual NASA Space Radiation Investigators' Workshop, Durham, NC, July 8-11, 2012. Abstract # 8132. , Jul-2012

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Carrihill-Knoll KL, Rabin BM, Shukitt-Hale B. "Sex differences in operant responding and survivability following exposure to space radiation." Society for Neuroscience 2012, New Orleans, LA, October 13-17, 2012.

Society for Neuroscience 2012, New Orleans, LA, October 13-17, 2012. Program#/Poster#: 915.14/DDD14. Abstract available at: http://www.abstractsonline.com/Plan/ViewAbstract.aspx?sKey=71df8c10-4604-4e4b-94b6-3eb81c4b879b&cKey=1a6d1b9c-a8e4-4ff3-81cd-c863b16cae53&mKey=70007181-01c9-4de9-a0a2-eebfa14cd9f1 ; accessed 4/3/2013. , Oct-2012

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Rabin BM. "Effects of exposure to space radiation on brain and behavior." Presented at the 39th Annual Meeting of the European Radiation Research Society, Vietri sul Mare, Italy, October 15-19, 2012.

39th Annual Meeting of the European Radiation Research Society Abstract Book, p. 90, October 2012. http://www.iss.infn.it/err2012/ , Oct-2012

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Poulose SM, Bielinski DF, Gomes SM, Carrihill-Knoll K, Rabin BM, Shukitt-hale BP. "Protective effects of berries and walnuts against accelerated aging and age-associated stress caused by irradiation in critical regions of rat brain." Experimental Biology 2012, San Diego, CA, April 21-25, 2012.

FASEB Journal 2012 Apr;26(Meeting Abstract Supplement):abstract 255.6, p. 69. Search: http://www.fasebj.org/content/vol26/1_MeetingAbstracts , Apr-2012

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Poulose SM, Bielinski DF, Gomes SM, Carrihill-Knoll K, Rabin BM, Shukitt-Hale B. "Protective effects of berries on brain against radiation-induced tau-hyperphosphorylation and ubiquitin aggregates." Presented at the 41st Annual Meeting of the American Aging Association, Fort Worth, TX, June 1-4, 2012.

AGE 2012, Program and Abstracts. Abstract 141, p. 86, June 2012. , Jun-2012

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Poulose SM, Bielinski DF, Gomes SM, Carrihill-Knoll, K, Rabin BM, Shukitt-Hale, B. "Attenuation of stress/age assiciated toxic protein accrual and tau-hyperphosphorlation in brain by berries and walnuts. " American Chemical Society National Meeting Philadelphia, PA, August 19-23, 2012.

ACS 2012. Abstract AGFD30, p. 34, August 2012. , Aug-2012

Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Rabin BM. "An introduction to behavior testing for the radiobiologist." Posted to THREE (The Health Risks of Extraterrestrial Environments), 27 Jan 2012. See https://three.jsc.nasa.gov/articles/Three%20Behavior012712.pdf , Jan-2012
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Shukitt-Hale B, Lau, FC, Cheng V, Luskin K, Carey AN, Carrihill-Knoll K, Rabin BM, Joseph JA. "Changes in gene expression in the rat hippocampus following exposure to 56/Fe particles and protection by berry diets." Cent Nerv Syst Agents Med Chem. 2013 Mar 1;13(1):36-42. PubMed PMID: 23092409 , Mar-2013
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Rabin BM, Carrihill-Knoll K, Long LV, Pitts SC, Shukitt-Hale B. "Effects of 17ß-estradiol on cognitive performance of ovariectomized female rats exposed to space radiation." Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science. 2013 Feb;3(1):67-73. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/jbbs.2013.31007 , Feb-2013
Project Title:  Individual Differences in the Neurochemical and Behavioral Response to Exposure to Protons Reduce
Fiscal Year: FY 2012 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP SR:Space Radiation
Start Date: 05/18/2008  
End Date: 01/31/2013  
Task Last Updated: 03/28/2012 
Download report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Rabin, Bernard M. Ph.D. / University of Maryland, Baltimore County 
Address:  Department of Psychology 
1000 Hilltop Cir 
Baltimore , MD 21250-0001 
Email: rabin@umbc.edu 
Phone: (410) 952-1761  
Congressional District:
Web:  
Organization Type: UNIVERSITY 
Organization Name: University of Maryland, Baltimore County 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Shukitt-Hale, Barbara  USDA, HNRCA 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. NNX08AM66G 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Cucinott1a, Francis  
Center Contact: 281-483-0968 
noaccess@nasa.gov 
Unique ID: 7112 
Solicitation / Funding Source: 2007 Space Radiation NNJ07ZSA001N 
Grant/Contract No.: NNX08AM66G 
Project Type: GROUND 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No 
No. of Post Docs:  
No. of PhD Candidates:  
No. of Master's Candidates:  
No. of Bachelor's Candidates:
No. of PhD Degrees:  
No. of Master's Degrees:  
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:
Human Research Program Elements: (1) SR:Space Radiation
Human Research Program Risks: (1) BMed:Risk of Adverse Cognitive or Behavioral Conditions and Psychiatric Disorders
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) BMed-102:Given exposures to spaceflight hazards (space radiation, isolation), how do we identify individual susceptibility, monitor molecular/biomarkers and acceptable thresholds, and validate behavioral health and CNS/neurological/neuropsychological performance measures and domains of relevance to exploration class missions?
(2) BMed-103:What are the validated, efficacious treatments (individual or Team-based) and/or countermeasures to prevent adverse behavioral conditions, CNS/neurological, and/or psychiatric disorders caused by either single and/or integrated exposures to spaceflight hazards during exploration class missions?
(3) BMed-104:Given the potentially negative spaceflight associated CNS changes and behavioral experiences of stressors during long-duration missions (e.g., isolation, confinement, reduced sensory stimulation, altered gravity, space radiation), what are validated modifications to habitat/vehicle to mitigate stressors impacting on CNS / cognition / behavioral health?
(4) BMed-105:Given the potentially negative spaceflight associated CNS/cognitive changes and behavioral experiences of stressors during long-duration missions (e.g., isolation, confinement, reduced sensory stimulation, altered gravity, space radiation), what are validated medical or dietary countermeasures to mitigate stressors impacting on CNS / cognition / behavioral health?
(5) BMed-107:What are the long-term changes and risks to astronaut health post-mission that, when using a continuity of care model, helps retrospectively identify and understand individual susceptibility (e.g., hereditary, dose, thresholds) to mitigate adverse CNS, cognitive, and behavioral health changes resulting from long-duration exploration missions, promoting the behavioral health of current and future crews?
Flight Assignment/Project Notes: NOTE: new end date is 1/31/2013 (previoulsy 5/17/2012) per NSSC information (Ed., 12/21/2011)

NOTE: new end date is 5/17/2012 per NSSC information (Ed., 5/31/2011)

Task Description: Long-term exploratory class missions will increase the risk that astronauts will be exposed to significant doses of protons resulting from solar flares. Evaluating these risks requires knowledge of the potential effects of proton irradiation on a variety of endpoints, including central nervous system (CNS) functioning. However, the effects of exposure to protons on CNS function and on behavior have not been the subject of significant amounts of research. Limited research has produced equivocal results about the consequences of exposure to protons on neurochemical and behavioral endpoints, with some data suggesting an effect of exposure to protons on these endpoints and other data indicating no effect following exposure. The objectives of the experiments detailed in this proposal are to describe and evaluate the effects of exposure to protons on CNS function and behavior and to characterize the role of individual differences, such as gender and age, in modulating the effects of exposure on neurocognitive endpoints.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits:

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2012 
Task Progress: The key findings are:

1. Protons (1000 MeV/n) produce deficits in cognitive performance. The dose of protons needed to produce a performance decrement is greater than that of 16O particles. These results are in general agreement with the results of a previous experiment in which rats were exposed to 1000 MeV/n protons at the NSRL.

2. Rats were given head-only, body-only, or whole-body exposures to 16O particles (1000 MeV/n). The effects of head-only exposures to 16O particles are similar to the results of previous studies showing that exposure to these particles produces a U-shaped function for the disruption of neurocognitive performance. The results also suggest that exposures involving the body may influence the responsiveness of the organism to the disruptive effects of exposure to HZE particles on neurocognitive performance.

3. Preliminary data suggest that oxidative stress may play a role in mediating the changes in the disruption of autophagy and in the phosphorylation of tau protein following exposure to HZE particles. Because the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein gives rise to the development of neurofibrillary tangles, this data may link exposure to HZE particles to the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 10/16/2023) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Rabin BM, Carrihill-Knoll KL, Luskin K, Shukitt-Hale B. "Effects of estrogen on the responsiveness to exposure to 56Fe particles." Presented at 2012 NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, Houston, TX, Feb 14-16, 2012.

2012 NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop, Houston, TX, Feb 14-16, 2012. , Feb-2012

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Rabin BM, Shukitt-Hale B, Carrihill-Knoll K. "Lack of effect of exposure to 137Cs gamma rays on cognitive performance in rats." Presented at the 22nd Annual Space Radiation Investigators' Workshop, League City, TX, September 18-21, 2011.

22nd Annual Space Radiation Investigators' Workshop, League City, TX, September 18-21, 2011. http://www.dsls.usra.edu/meetings/radiation2011/pdf/7002.pdf , Sep-2011

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Lowe X, Rabin B, Marchetti F, Bhatnagar S, Snijders A, Wyrobek AJ. "Choroid plexus: a critical target of persistent CNS damage after space radiation with 56Fe and 12C." Presented at the 22nd Annual Space Radiation Investigators' Workshop, League City, TX, September 18-21, 2011.

22nd Annual Space Radiation Investigators' Workshop, League City, TX, September 18-21, 2011. http://www.dsls.usra.edu/meetings/radiation2011/pdf/7107.pdf , Sep-2011

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Azzam EI, de Toledo SM, Buonanno MN, Feng D, Li M, Gonon G, Rabin BM, Barnes BJ. "Evidence for non-targeted biological effects induced by space radiation." Presented at the 22nd Annual Space Radiation Investigators' Workshop, League City, TX, September 18-21, 2011.

22nd Annual Space Radiation Investigators' Workshop, League City, TX, September 18-21, 2011. http://www.dsls.usra.edu/meetings/radiation2011/pdf/7066.pdf , Sep-2011

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Rabin BM, Carrihill-Knoll KL, Poetzsch B, Dwyer D, Kahler G, Luskin K, Shukitt-Hale B. "Sex differences in the cognitive effects of exposure to cosmic rays." Presented at 41st Annual Society for Neuroscience Meeting, Washington D.C., November 12-16, 2011.

41st Annual Society for Neuroscience Meeting, November, 2011. Abstract available at http://www.abstractsonline.com/Plan/ViewAbstract.aspx?sKey=284b8d58-16d3-4ee4-b333-accf27821c11&cKey=b337c3f8-42d2-4071-9a4c-6e1c430a0de5&mKey={8334BE29-8911-4991-8C31-32B32DD5E6C8} ; accessed 3/28/2012. , Nov-2011

Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Poulose SM, Bielinski DF, Carrihill-Knoll K, Rabin BM, Shukitt-Hale B. "Exposure to 16O-particle radiation causes aging-like decrements in rats through increased oxidative stress, inflammation and loss of autophagy." Radiation Research. 2011 Dec;176(6):761-9. Epub 2011 Sep 30. PubMed PMID: 21962006 , Dec-2011
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Rabin BM, Joseph JA, Shukitt-Hale B, Carrihill-Knoll KL. "Interaction between age of irradiation and age of testing in the disruption of operant performance using a ground-based model for exposure to cosmic rays." Age (Dordr). 2012 Feb;34(1):121-31. Epub 2011 Mar 22. PubMed PMID: 21424788 ; http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11357-011-9226-4 , Feb-2012
Project Title:  Individual Differences in the Neurochemical and Behavioral Response to Exposure to Protons Reduce
Fiscal Year: FY 2011 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP SR:Space Radiation
Start Date: 05/18/2008  
End Date: 01/31/2013  
Task Last Updated: 07/15/2011 
Download report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Rabin, Bernard M. Ph.D. / University of Maryland, Baltimore County 
Address:  Department of Psychology 
1000 Hilltop Cir 
Baltimore , MD 21250-0001 
Email: rabin@umbc.edu 
Phone: (410) 952-1761  
Congressional District:
Web:  
Organization Type: UNIVERSITY 
Organization Name: University of Maryland, Baltimore County 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Shukitt-Hale, Barbara  USDA, HNRCA 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. NNX08AM66G 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Cucinott1a, Francis  
Center Contact: 281-483-0968 
noaccess@nasa.gov 
Unique ID: 7112 
Solicitation / Funding Source: 2007 Space Radiation NNJ07ZSA001N 
Grant/Contract No.: NNX08AM66G 
Project Type: GROUND 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No 
No. of Post Docs:  
No. of PhD Candidates:  
No. of Master's Candidates:  
No. of Bachelor's Candidates:
No. of PhD Degrees:  
No. of Master's Degrees:  
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:
Human Research Program Elements: (1) SR:Space Radiation
Human Research Program Risks: (1) BMed:Risk of Adverse Cognitive or Behavioral Conditions and Psychiatric Disorders
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) BMed-102:Given exposures to spaceflight hazards (space radiation, isolation), how do we identify individual susceptibility, monitor molecular/biomarkers and acceptable thresholds, and validate behavioral health and CNS/neurological/neuropsychological performance measures and domains of relevance to exploration class missions?
(2) BMed-103:What are the validated, efficacious treatments (individual or Team-based) and/or countermeasures to prevent adverse behavioral conditions, CNS/neurological, and/or psychiatric disorders caused by either single and/or integrated exposures to spaceflight hazards during exploration class missions?
(3) BMed-104:Given the potentially negative spaceflight associated CNS changes and behavioral experiences of stressors during long-duration missions (e.g., isolation, confinement, reduced sensory stimulation, altered gravity, space radiation), what are validated modifications to habitat/vehicle to mitigate stressors impacting on CNS / cognition / behavioral health?
(4) BMed-105:Given the potentially negative spaceflight associated CNS/cognitive changes and behavioral experiences of stressors during long-duration missions (e.g., isolation, confinement, reduced sensory stimulation, altered gravity, space radiation), what are validated medical or dietary countermeasures to mitigate stressors impacting on CNS / cognition / behavioral health?
(5) BMed-107:What are the long-term changes and risks to astronaut health post-mission that, when using a continuity of care model, helps retrospectively identify and understand individual susceptibility (e.g., hereditary, dose, thresholds) to mitigate adverse CNS, cognitive, and behavioral health changes resulting from long-duration exploration missions, promoting the behavioral health of current and future crews?
Flight Assignment/Project Notes: NOTE: new end date is 1/31/2013 (previoulsy 5/17/2012) per NSSC information (Ed., 12/21/2011)

NOTE: new end date is 5/17/2012 per NSSC information (Ed., 5/31/2011)

Task Description: Long-term exploratory class missions will increase the risk that astronauts will be exposed to significant doses of protons resulting from solar flares. Evaluating these risks requires knowledge of the potential effects of proton irradiation on a variety of endpoints, including central nervous system (CNS) functioning. However, the effects of exposure to protons on CNS function and on behavior have not been the subject of significant amounts of research. Limited research has produced equivocal results about the consequences of exposure to protons on neurochemical and behavioral endpoints, with some data suggesting an effect of exposure to protons on these endpoints and other data indicating no effect following exposure. The objectives of the experiments detailed in this proposal are to describe and evaluate the effects of exposure to protons on CNS function and behavior and to characterize the role of individual differences, such as gender and age, in modulating the effects of exposure on neurocognitive endpoints.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits:

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2011 
Task Progress: The key findings are:

1. Age may be a risk factor for the behavioral effects of exposure to heavy particles and the effects are not necessarily linear. However it is possible that exposure to low LET particles such as 16O, in contrast to high LET 56Fe particles, may not produce an age-dependent performance decrement.

2. Exposure to gamma rays, 137Cs, does not produce significant changes in cognitive performance.

3. Exposure to 16O particles disrupts autophagy, the process by which the nervous system remove toxic proteins. It is possible that the disruption of this process contributes to the development of deficits in cognitive performance.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 10/16/2023) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Rabin BM, Joseph JA, Shukitt-Hale B, Carrihill-Knoll K. "Operant responding in rats as a function of age and irradiation." 21st Annual NASA Space Radiation Investigators' Workshop, Port Jefferson, NY, May 16-19, 2010.

Program and abstracts. 21st Annual NASA Space Radiation Investigators' Workshop, Port Jefferson, NY, May 16-19, 2010. p. 89. , May-2010

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Lowe XR, Rabin BM, Marchetti F, Bhatnagar S, Snijders A, Wyrobek AJ. "Persistent signature and cellular defects in the choroid plexus of rats with persistent cognitive deficits long after cranial exposure to space radiation." 21st Annual NASA Space Radiation Investigators' Workshop, Port Jefferson, NY, May 16-19, 2010.

Program and abstracts. 21st Annual NASA Space Radiation Investigators' Workshop, Port Jefferson, NY, May 16-19, 2010. p. 90. , May-2010

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Miller MG, Shukitt-Hale B, Rabin BM, Carrihill-Knoll K, Joseph JA. "Multi-Platform Radial-Arm Water Maze Deficits Following High-Energy Particle Irradiation, A Model of Accelerated Aging." Presented at the 39th Annual Meeting of the American Aging Association, Portland, OR, June 4-7, 2010.

Program and Abstracts. Inflammation and Aging: Causes and Consequences. 39th Annual Meeting of the American Aging Association, 2010. p. 85-86. http://www.americanaging.org/2010_Final_Program.pdf , Jun-2010

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Shukitt-Hale B, Miller M, Carrihill-Knoll K, Rabin BM, Joseph JA. "Exposure to 56Fe Particles Produces Deficits in Spatial Learning and Memory in the Radial Arm Water Maze." Presented at the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) 2010 38th Scientific Assembly, Bremen, Germany, July 18-25, 2010.

COSPAR Abstract Book. Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) 2010 38th Scientific Assembly, Bremen, Germany, July 18-25, 2010. https://www.cospar-assembly.org/abstractcd/COSPAR-10/abstracts/data/pdf/abstracts/F23-0009-10.pdf , Jul-2010

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Rabin BM, Shukitt-Hale B, Carrihill-Knoll K, Luskin K, Long LV, Joseph JA. "Cognitive differences between male and female rats following exposure to 56Fe particles." Presented at Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) 2010 38th Scientific Assembly, Bremen, Germany, July 18-25, 2010.

COSPAR Abstract Book. Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) 2010 38th Scientific Assembly, Bremen, Germany, July 18-25, 2010. https://www.cospar-assembly.org/abstractcd/COSPAR-10/abstracts/data/pdf/abstracts/F23-0010-10.pdf , Jul-2010

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Azzam E, Rabin BM. "Long-term biochemical and histological changes in the central nervous system of rats exposed to low fluences of high charge and high energy particles." Presented at Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) 2010 38th Scientific Assembly, Bremen, Germany, July 18-25, 2010.

COSPAR Abstract Book. Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) 2010 38th Scientific Assembly, Bremen, Germany, July 18-25, 2010. https://www.cospar-assembly.org/abstractcd/COSPAR-10/abstracts/data/pdf/abstracts/F23-0011-10.pdf , Jul-2010

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Lowe X, Rabin B, Marchetti F, Bhatnagar S, Snijders A, Wyrobek AJ. "The choroid plexus is a critical target of persistent CNS damage after space radiation in rats." Presented at the 56th Annual Meeting of Radiation Research Society, Maui, HI, September 25-29, 2010.

56th Annual Meeting, Radiation Research Society, September 25-29, 2010. http://www.abstractsonline.com/Plan/ViewAbstract.aspx?mID=2569&sKey=359561f3-493c-4d5c-b014-47e677719c70&cKey=c8ef25da-684d-4fc3-b36d-b8e1a8bbc3a4&mKey=5fb93787-2553-4b3b-a915-8c1ae71f127a , Sep-2010

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Joseph JA, Poulose S, Bielinski DF, Carrihill-Knoll KL, Rabin BM, Miller MG, Shukitt-Hale B. "Age/radiation parallels in the effects of^56 Fe particle irradiation: possible effects on autophagy and stress signaling." Presented at the 56th Annual Meeting of Radiation Research Society, Maui, HI, September 25-29, 2010.

56th Annual Meeting, Radiation Research Society, September 25-29, 2010. http://www.abstractsonline.com/Plan/ViewAbstract.aspx?mID=2569&sKey=359561f3-493c-4d5c-b014-47e677719c70&cKey=79eff25f-a3ed-4457-b67d-47d17869532e&mKey=5fb93787-2553-4b3b-a915-8c1ae71f127a , Sep-2010

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Rabin BM, Carrihill-Knoll KL, Joseph JA, Shukitt-Hale B, Luskin K, Long LV. "Effects of exposure to 56Fe particles on cognitive performance in male and ovariectomized female rats." Presented at the 56th Annual Meeting of Radiation Research Society, Maui, HI, September 25-29, 2010.

56th Annual Meeting, Radiation Research Society, September 25-29, 2010. http://www.abstractsonline.com/Plan/ViewAbstract.aspx?mID=2569&sKey=359561f3-493c-4d5c-b014-47e677719c70&cKey=5f16cc37-8fbb-4f5f-b096-f31fa3749d54&mKey=5fb93787-2553-4b3b-a915-8c1ae71f127a , Sep-2010

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Li M, de Toledo S, Paun D, Azzam E, Rabin B. "In vivo bystander effects induced by high charge and high energy particles." Presented at the 56th Annual Meeting of Radiation Research Society, Maui, HI, September 25-29, 2010.

56th Annual Meeting, Radiation Research Society, September 25-29, 2010. http://www.abstractsonline.com/Plan/ViewAbstract.aspx?mID=2569&sKey=9e011f35-da29-44e9-81ca-4b52cf617fb4&cKey=2353f206-681a-4e05-b10d-21ef8f647f39&mKey=5fb93787-2553-4b3b-a915-8c1ae71f127a , Sep-2010

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Rabin BM, Shukitt-Hale B, Carrihill-Knoll K, Long LV, Joseph JA. "Age: A risk factor for space travel." Presented at Presented at the 40th Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, San Diego, CA, November 12-16, 2010.

Society for Neuroscience Abstracts, November 2010. http://www.abstractsonline.com/Plan/ViewAbstract.aspx?mID=2554&sKey=51671616-b7a0-4298-ace5-dd3fadbbe1fd&cKey=6eba699b-32ae-46ad-9a0b-b2e8797d9aaf&mKey={E5D5C83F-CE2D-4D71-9DD6-FC7231E090FB} , Nov-2010

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Rabin BM. "Aging, space travel and fruit." Presented at the 44th Annual Winter Conference on Brain Research, Keystone, CO, January 22-27, 2011.

44th Annual Winter Conference on Brain Research, Keystone, CO, January 22-27, 2011. , Jan-2011

Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Rabin BM, Carrihill-Knoll KL, Shukitt-Hale B. "Operant responding following exposure to HZE particles and its relationship to particle energy and linear energy transfer." Advances in Space Research. 2011 Jul 15;48(2):370-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2011.03.008 , Jul-2011
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Jain MR, Li M, Chen W, Liu T, de Toledo SM, Pandey BN, Li H, Rabin BM, Azzam EI. "In vivo space radiation-induced non-targeted responses: late effects on molecular signaling in mitochondria." Curr Mol Pharmacol. 2011 Jun 1;4(2):106-14. PMID: 21166651 , Jun-2011
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Rabin BM, Joseph JA, Shukitt-Hale B, Carrihill-Knoll KL. "Interaction between age of irradiation and age of testing in the disruption of operant performance using a ground-based model for exposure to cosmic rays." Age (Dordr). 2011 Mar 22. [Epub ahead of print]. PMID: 21424788 ; http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11357-011-9226-4 , Mar-2011
Significant Media Coverage Rabin BM. "On-line description of the effects of age and diet on the effects of exposure to GCR for NOVA." NOVA TV, February 2011., Feb-2011
Project Title:  Individual Differences in the Neurochemical and Behavioral Response to Exposure to Protons Reduce
Fiscal Year: FY 2010 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP SR:Space Radiation
Start Date: 05/18/2008  
End Date: 05/17/2012  
Task Last Updated: 03/05/2010 
Download report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Rabin, Bernard M. Ph.D. / University of Maryland, Baltimore County 
Address:  Department of Psychology 
1000 Hilltop Cir 
Baltimore , MD 21250-0001 
Email: rabin@umbc.edu 
Phone: (410) 952-1761  
Congressional District:
Web:  
Organization Type: UNIVERSITY 
Organization Name: University of Maryland, Baltimore County 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Joseph, James  USDA, HNRCA at Tufts University 
Shukitt-Hale, Barbara  USDA, HNRCA 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. NNX08AM66G 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Cucinott1a, Francis  
Center Contact: 281-483-0968 
noaccess@nasa.gov 
Unique ID: 7112 
Solicitation / Funding Source: 2007 Space Radiation NNJ07ZSA001N 
Grant/Contract No.: NNX08AM66G 
Project Type: GROUND 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No 
No. of Post Docs:  
No. of PhD Candidates:  
No. of Master's Candidates:  
No. of Bachelor's Candidates:
No. of PhD Degrees:  
No. of Master's Degrees:  
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:
Human Research Program Elements: (1) SR:Space Radiation
Human Research Program Risks: (1) BMed:Risk of Adverse Cognitive or Behavioral Conditions and Psychiatric Disorders
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) BMed-102:Given exposures to spaceflight hazards (space radiation, isolation), how do we identify individual susceptibility, monitor molecular/biomarkers and acceptable thresholds, and validate behavioral health and CNS/neurological/neuropsychological performance measures and domains of relevance to exploration class missions?
(2) BMed-103:What are the validated, efficacious treatments (individual or Team-based) and/or countermeasures to prevent adverse behavioral conditions, CNS/neurological, and/or psychiatric disorders caused by either single and/or integrated exposures to spaceflight hazards during exploration class missions?
(3) BMed-104:Given the potentially negative spaceflight associated CNS changes and behavioral experiences of stressors during long-duration missions (e.g., isolation, confinement, reduced sensory stimulation, altered gravity, space radiation), what are validated modifications to habitat/vehicle to mitigate stressors impacting on CNS / cognition / behavioral health?
(4) BMed-105:Given the potentially negative spaceflight associated CNS/cognitive changes and behavioral experiences of stressors during long-duration missions (e.g., isolation, confinement, reduced sensory stimulation, altered gravity, space radiation), what are validated medical or dietary countermeasures to mitigate stressors impacting on CNS / cognition / behavioral health?
(5) BMed-107:What are the long-term changes and risks to astronaut health post-mission that, when using a continuity of care model, helps retrospectively identify and understand individual susceptibility (e.g., hereditary, dose, thresholds) to mitigate adverse CNS, cognitive, and behavioral health changes resulting from long-duration exploration missions, promoting the behavioral health of current and future crews?
Flight Assignment/Project Notes: NOTE: new end date is 5/17/2012 per NSSC information (Ed., 5/31/2011)

Task Description: Long-term exploratory class missions will increase the risk that astronauts will be exposed to significant doses of protons resulting from solar flares. Evaluating these risks requires knowledge of the potential effects of proton irradiation on a variety of endpoints, including central nervous system (CNS) functioning. However, the effects of exposure to protons on CNS function and on behavior have not been the subject of significant amounts of research. Limited research has produced equivocal results about the consequences of exposure to protons on neurochemical and behavioral endpoints, with some data suggesting an effect of exposure to protons on these endpoints and other data indicating no effect following exposure. The objectives of the experiments detailed in this proposal are to describe and evaluate the effects of exposure to protons on CNS function and behavior and to characterize the role of individual differences, such as gender and age, in modulating the effects of exposure on neurocognitive endpoints.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits:

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2010 
Task Progress: The key findings are:

1. The neurobehavioral effects of exposure to different heavy particles from both acute and late degenerative effects of irradiation on CNS function may differ as a function of particle energy, fluence and the specific endpoint under consideration

2. Age may be a risk factor for the behavioral effects of exposure to heavy particles and the effects are not necessarily linear

3. Estrogen may not function as a neuroprotectant for exposure to HZE particles. The pattern of HZE effects on cognitive performance in ovariectomized female rats with/without estrogen replacement may vary as a function of the specific task.

4. Genes that directly or indirectly interact in the regulation of growth and differentiation of neurons were changed following irradiation; genes that regulate apoptosis were up-regulated whereas genes that modulate cellular proliferation were down-regulated, possibly to eliminate damaged cells and to stop cell proliferation to prevent DNA damage caused by radiation to new cells. These changes in gene expression may result from HZE particle-induced oxidative stress.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 10/16/2023) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Rabin BM, Joseph JA, Shukitt-Hale B. "Reliability of neurocognitive deficits following exposure to HZE particles: A preliminary analysis of operant performance." Presented at the 2009 NASA Human Research Program Investigators' Workshop, League City, TX, 2-4 Feb. 2009.

2009 NASA Human Research Program Investigators' Workshop, League City, TX, 2- 4 Feb. 2009. , Feb-2009

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Rabin BM, Joseph JA, Shukitt-Hale B, Carrihill-Knoll K. "Effects of age on the disruption of object recognition memory in rats." 5th International Workshop on Space Radiation Research. Cologne, Germany, 6-10 July, 2009.

5th International Workshop on Space Radiation Research. Cologne, Germany, 6-10 July, 2009. , Jul-2009

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Shukitt-Hale B, Willis LM, Luskin K, Carrihill-Knoll, K, Rabin BM, Joseph JA. "Effects of oxygen radiation on inflammation and cognition." 5th International Workshop on Space Radiation Research. Cologne, Germany, 6-10 July, 2009.

5th International Workshop on Space Radiation Research. Cologne, Germany, 6-10 July, 2009. , Jul-2009

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Rabin BM, Carrihill-Knoll KA, Joseph JA, Shukitt-Hale B. "Effects of exposure to HZE particles on habituation of the acoustic startle response." Presented at the 55th Annual Meeting of the Radiation Research Society, Savannah, GA, 4-7 Oct 2009.

55th Annual Meeting of the Radiation Research Society, Savannah, GA, 4-7 Oct 2009. , Oct-2009

Abstracts for Journals and Proceedings Rabin BM, Joseph JA, Shukitt-Hale B, Carrihill-Knoll K. "Age as a factor influencing cognitive impairment following exposure to HZE particles." Presented at the 2010 NASA Human Research Program Investigators' Workshop, Houston, TX. 3-5 Feb. 2010.

2010 NASA Human Research Program Investigators' Workshop, Houston, TX. 3-5 Feb. 2010. , Feb-2010

Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Rabin BM, Carrihill-Knoll K, Hinchman M, Shukitt-Hale B, Joseph JA, Foster BC. "Effects of heavy particle irradiation and diet on object recognition memory in rats." Advances in Space Research, 2009 Apr 15;43(8):1193-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2009.01.015 , Apr-2009
Project Title:  Individual Differences in the Neurochemical and Behavioral Response to Exposure to Protons Reduce
Fiscal Year: FY 2009 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP SR:Space Radiation
Start Date: 05/18/2008  
End Date: 05/17/2011  
Task Last Updated: 02/24/2009 
Download report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Rabin, Bernard M. Ph.D. / University of Maryland, Baltimore County 
Address:  Department of Psychology 
1000 Hilltop Cir 
Baltimore , MD 21250-0001 
Email: rabin@umbc.edu 
Phone: (410) 952-1761  
Congressional District:
Web:  
Organization Type: UNIVERSITY 
Organization Name: University of Maryland, Baltimore County 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Joseph, James  USDA, HNRCA at Tufts University 
Shukitt-Hale, Barbara  USDA, HNRCA 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. NNX08AM66G 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor: Cucinott1a, Francis  
Center Contact: 281-483-0968 
noaccess@nasa.gov 
Unique ID: 7112 
Solicitation / Funding Source: 2007 Space Radiation NNJ07ZSA001N 
Grant/Contract No.: NNX08AM66G 
Project Type: GROUND 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No 
No. of Post Docs:  
No. of PhD Candidates:  
No. of Master's Candidates:  
No. of Bachelor's Candidates:
No. of PhD Degrees:  
No. of Master's Degrees:  
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:  
Human Research Program Elements: (1) SR:Space Radiation
Human Research Program Risks: (1) BMed:Risk of Adverse Cognitive or Behavioral Conditions and Psychiatric Disorders
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) BMed-102:Given exposures to spaceflight hazards (space radiation, isolation), how do we identify individual susceptibility, monitor molecular/biomarkers and acceptable thresholds, and validate behavioral health and CNS/neurological/neuropsychological performance measures and domains of relevance to exploration class missions?
(2) BMed-103:What are the validated, efficacious treatments (individual or Team-based) and/or countermeasures to prevent adverse behavioral conditions, CNS/neurological, and/or psychiatric disorders caused by either single and/or integrated exposures to spaceflight hazards during exploration class missions?
(3) BMed-104:Given the potentially negative spaceflight associated CNS changes and behavioral experiences of stressors during long-duration missions (e.g., isolation, confinement, reduced sensory stimulation, altered gravity, space radiation), what are validated modifications to habitat/vehicle to mitigate stressors impacting on CNS / cognition / behavioral health?
(4) BMed-105:Given the potentially negative spaceflight associated CNS/cognitive changes and behavioral experiences of stressors during long-duration missions (e.g., isolation, confinement, reduced sensory stimulation, altered gravity, space radiation), what are validated medical or dietary countermeasures to mitigate stressors impacting on CNS / cognition / behavioral health?
(5) BMed-107:What are the long-term changes and risks to astronaut health post-mission that, when using a continuity of care model, helps retrospectively identify and understand individual susceptibility (e.g., hereditary, dose, thresholds) to mitigate adverse CNS, cognitive, and behavioral health changes resulting from long-duration exploration missions, promoting the behavioral health of current and future crews?
Task Description: Long-term exploratory class missions will increase the risk that astronauts will be exposed to significant doses of protons resulting from solar flares. Evaluating these risks requires knowledge of the potential effects of proton irradiation on a variety of endpoints, including central nervous system (CNS) functioning. However, the effects of exposure to protons on CNS function and on behavior have not been the subject of significant amounts of research. Limited research has produced equivocal results about the consequences of exposure to protons on neurochemical and behavioral endpoints, with some data suggesting an effect of exposure to protons on these endpoints and other data indicating no effect following exposure. The objectives of the experiments detailed in this proposal are to describe and evaluate the effects of exposure to protons on CNS function and behavior and to characterize the role of individual differences, such as gender and age, in modulating the effects of exposure on neurocognitive endpoints.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits:

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2009 
Task Progress: The key findings are: 1. The neurobehavioral effects of exposure to different heavy particles from both acute amd late degenerative effects of irradiation on CNS function may differ as a function of particle energy, fluence and the specific endpoint under consideration 2. Age may be a risk factor for the behavioral effects of exposure to heavy particles and the effects are not necessarily linear 3. There are changes in the expression of dendrites in the hippocampus as a function of exposure to HZE particles and these changes are related to changes in performance.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 10/16/2023) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Rabin BM, Carrihill-Knoll K, Hinchman M, Shukitt-Hale B, Joseph JA, Foster BC. "Effects of heavy particle irradiation and diet on object recognition memory in rats." Advances in Space Research, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 22 January 2009. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2009.01.015 , Jan-2009
Books/Book Chapters Rabin BM, Joseph JA, Shukitt-Hale B. "Effects of berry fruits on neurocognitive deficits produced by exposure to space radiation." in "Herbal Radiomodulators: Applications in Medicine, Homeland Defence and Space." Ed. R. Arora. Wallingford, UK ; Cambridge, MA : CABI, c2008. p. 151-162., Sep-2008
Project Title:  Individual Differences in the Neurochemical and Behavioral Response to Exposure to Protons Reduce
Fiscal Year: FY 2008 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP SR:Space Radiation
Start Date: 05/18/2008  
End Date: 05/17/2011  
Task Last Updated: 06/26/2008 
Download report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Rabin, Bernard M. Ph.D. / University of Maryland, Baltimore County 
Address:  Department of Psychology 
1000 Hilltop Cir 
Baltimore , MD 21250-0001 
Email: rabin@umbc.edu 
Phone: (410) 952-1761  
Congressional District:
Web:  
Organization Type: UNIVERSITY 
Organization Name: University of Maryland, Baltimore County 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Joseph, James  USDA, HNRCA at Tufts University 
Shukitt-Hale, Barbara  USDA, HNRCA 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. NNX08AM66G 
Responsible Center: NASA JSC 
Grant Monitor:  
Center Contact:   
Unique ID: 7112 
Solicitation / Funding Source: 2007 Space Radiation NNJ07ZSA001N 
Grant/Contract No.: NNX08AM66G 
Project Type: GROUND 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No 
No. of Post Docs:  
No. of PhD Candidates:  
No. of Master's Candidates:  
No. of Bachelor's Candidates:  
No. of PhD Degrees:  
No. of Master's Degrees:  
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:  
Human Research Program Elements: (1) SR:Space Radiation
Human Research Program Risks: (1) BMed:Risk of Adverse Cognitive or Behavioral Conditions and Psychiatric Disorders
Human Research Program Gaps: (1) BMed-102:Given exposures to spaceflight hazards (space radiation, isolation), how do we identify individual susceptibility, monitor molecular/biomarkers and acceptable thresholds, and validate behavioral health and CNS/neurological/neuropsychological performance measures and domains of relevance to exploration class missions?
(2) BMed-103:What are the validated, efficacious treatments (individual or Team-based) and/or countermeasures to prevent adverse behavioral conditions, CNS/neurological, and/or psychiatric disorders caused by either single and/or integrated exposures to spaceflight hazards during exploration class missions?
(3) BMed-104:Given the potentially negative spaceflight associated CNS changes and behavioral experiences of stressors during long-duration missions (e.g., isolation, confinement, reduced sensory stimulation, altered gravity, space radiation), what are validated modifications to habitat/vehicle to mitigate stressors impacting on CNS / cognition / behavioral health?
(4) BMed-105:Given the potentially negative spaceflight associated CNS/cognitive changes and behavioral experiences of stressors during long-duration missions (e.g., isolation, confinement, reduced sensory stimulation, altered gravity, space radiation), what are validated medical or dietary countermeasures to mitigate stressors impacting on CNS / cognition / behavioral health?
(5) BMed-107:What are the long-term changes and risks to astronaut health post-mission that, when using a continuity of care model, helps retrospectively identify and understand individual susceptibility (e.g., hereditary, dose, thresholds) to mitigate adverse CNS, cognitive, and behavioral health changes resulting from long-duration exploration missions, promoting the behavioral health of current and future crews?
Task Description: Long-term exploratory class missions will increase the risk that astronauts will be exposed to significant doses of protons resulting from solar flares. Evaluating these risks requires knowledge of the potential effects of proton irradiation on a variety of endpoints, including central nervous system (CNS) functioning. However, the effects of exposure to protons on CNS function and on behavior have not been the subject of significant amounts of research. Limited research has produced equivocal results about the consequences of exposure to protons on neurochemical and behavioral endpoints, with some data suggesting an effect of exposure to protons on these endpoints and other data indicating no effect following exposure. The objectives of the experiments detailed in this proposal are to describe and evaluate the effects of exposure to protons on CNS function and behavior and to characterize the role of individual differences, such as gender and age, in modulating the effects of exposure on neurocognitive endpoints.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits:

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2008 
Task Progress: New project for FY2008.

Interim report received December 2008 described work in fall 2008; second year report will include more information:

Present Experiments: Two sets of experiments are ongoing.

1. Rats were exposed to two energies of 48Ti (1100 and 500 MeV/n) particles to continue our studies of the role of differences in LET in determining the relative biological effectiveness of particles in disrupting neurocognitive performance.

2. Rats that had been previously exposed to 16O (1000MeV/n) particles were tested to continue the evaluation of the interaction between exposure to HZE particles and age on neurocognitive performance was evaluated by retesting rats at intervals up to 15 months following irradiation.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 10/16/2023) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
 None in FY 2008