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Late effects from particulate radiations in primate and rabbit tissues
J T Lett1, A B Cox, D S Bergtold
1Department of Radiology and Radiation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523, USA.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Radiation exposure during the second half of life accelerates cataract formation and vision loss in rabbits. This finding is crucial for understanding space radiation risks to humans, highlighting age-dependent effects on ocular tissues.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Radiation Biology
- Astrobiology
Background:
- Space radiation poses significant risks to astronauts' health, particularly concerning long-term effects like radiation-induced cataracts.
- Understanding the age-dependent susceptibility to radiation damage is critical for assessing these risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of age at irradiation on the development of radiation cataracts in rabbits.
- To assess long-term radiation damage in rhesus monkeys exposed to protons years prior.
Main Methods:
- New Zealand white rabbits were irradiated with Neon ions (425 MeV/amu) at various life stages and monitored for cataract progression.
- Skin fibroblasts from rhesus monkeys previously exposed to proton irradiation were cultured to analyze late radiation damage.
Main Results:
- Youngest rabbits (8 weeks) showed the highest incidence of early cataracts.
- Irradiation during the latter half of the median lifespan led to earlier onset of late cataracts and vision loss.
- Cultured skin fibroblasts from proton-irradiated monkeys revealed late damage in stem cells.
Conclusions:
- The age of the organism significantly influences the severity and timing of radiation-induced cataracts.
- Findings suggest that older individuals may be more vulnerable to specific types of space radiation damage.
- Long-term cellular damage in skin stem cells can result from proton exposure, relevant to solar flare events.