[Antioxidant modification of ionizing irradiation and additional stress effects on higher nervous activity in rats]

The aim of this study was to investigate the oxidative effect of the low-level radiation upon the higher nervous activity. Behavioral (shuttle-box) and statistical methods were used. The effect of the ionizing radiation (0.05 Gy) upon the indices of rats behavioral reaction as well as ability of some antioxidants (alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene) used separately and in complex to diminish exposure effects on the indices studied have been investigated Beta-carotene demonstrated the largest protective effect alone and as a component in complex compound. Alpha-tocopherol used in animal exposured to the dose of 0.05 Gy, could case decline of the rats behavior reactions indices; this suggest that use of antioxidant therapy demands certain cautiousness. The results obtained suggest dominant role of the oxidant stress during ionizing radiation at least in dose of 0.05 Gy.