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Do heavy ions cause microlesions in cell membranes?
1Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York 10032.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Heavy ion radiation in space may not cause physical cell damage. Studies show no microlesions or electrical changes in rat corneas after heavy ion exposure, suggesting no direct membrane harm.
Area of Science:
- Space science
- Radiation biology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Manned deep space missions face hazards from heavy ion radiation.
- The "microlesion" theory postulates localized cell damage from heavy ions.
- Previous studies on rat corneas showed no morphological evidence of microlesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential physiological damage to cells from heavy ion irradiation.
- To assess the impact of heavy ions on corneal endothelium function.
- To test the microlesion theory by monitoring electrical potential differences.
Main Methods:
- In vitro study using rat corneas.
- Monitoring electrical potential difference across the corneal endothelium.
- Exposure to 1 Gy of 56Fe ions at 450 and 600 MeV/a.m.u.
Main Results:
- No significant effect was detected on the electrical potential difference of the corneal endothelium.
- Exposure to heavy ions did not alter the physiological function monitored.
- Results indicate no immediate physiological impairment due to heavy ion exposure.
Conclusions:
- The microlesion theory, predicting direct physical damage to cell membranes, is not supported by these findings.
- Heavy ion irradiation at the tested doses does not appear to cause direct physical damage to corneal cell membranes.
- Further research may be needed to explore other potential long-term or indirect effects of heavy ions on biological tissues.