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Behavioral toxicity of selected radioprotectors
M R Landauer1, H D Davis, K S Kumar
1Behavioral Sciences Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Bethesda, MD 20889-5245, USA.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Radioprotective compounds show dose-dependent behavioral toxicity, decreasing locomotor activity in mice. Caffeine can counteract some of this behavioral disruption, aiding radioprotector selection for spaceflight.
Area of Science:
- Spaceflight and radiation biology
- Neuroscience and behavioral toxicology
Background:
- Effective radioprotection is crucial for manned spaceflight, but behavioral side effects of protective agents must be minimized.
- Previous research has identified various classes of radioprotectors, including phosphorothioates, bioactive lipids, and immunomodulators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize studies on the behavioral toxicity of selected radioprotective agents.
- To assess the impact of radioprotectors on locomotor activity in laboratory mice.
Main Methods:
- Behavioral toxicity was evaluated using a locomotor activity test in laboratory mice.
- The study examined phosphorothioates (WR-2721, WR-3689), bioactive lipids (DiPGE2, PAF, leukotriene C4), and immunomodulators (glucan, synthetic trehalose dicorynomycolate, IL-1).
Main Results:
- All tested radioprotectors exhibited a dose-dependent decrease in locomotor activity, correlating with increased radioprotection.
- Combinations of radioprotectors (e.g., DiPGE2 + WR-2721) enhanced radioprotection but also reduced locomotor activity.
- The stimulant caffeine mitigated locomotor deficits caused by WR-3689 and PAF.
Conclusions:
- Radioprotective efficacy often correlates with behavioral toxicity, presenting a challenge for spaceflight applications.
- Caffeine demonstrates potential as an adjunct countermeasure for specific radioprotector-induced behavioral impairments.
- Further research is needed to balance radioprotection with acceptable behavioral profiles for astronauts.