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Effects of Solar Particle Event-Like Proton Radiation and/or Simulated Microgravity on Circulating Mouse Blood Cells
Ana L Romero-Weaver1, Liyong Lin1, Alejandro Carabe-Fernandez1
1Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Gravitational and Space Research : Publication of the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research
|November 1, 2014
Summary
Space radiation and microgravity significantly reduce blood cell counts in astronauts. This study in mice shows proton radiation exposure, with or without simulated microgravity, decreases lymphocytes, granulocytes, and platelets, increasing risks for infection and thrombosis.
Area of Science:
- Space biology
- Radiation biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Astronauts on long-duration space missions face prolonged microgravity and increased solar particle event (SPE) radiation exposure.
- Both microgravity and SPE radiation can significantly impact circulating blood cell counts, crucial for astronaut health.
- Understanding these combined effects is vital for planning future exploration-class missions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the combined effects of simulated microgravity and SPE-like proton radiation on circulating blood cells in a mouse model.
- To determine the individual and combined risks posed by spaceflight stressors to hematological parameters.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the hindlimb unloading (HU) system to simulate microgravity in mice.
- Exposed mice to SPE-like proton radiation, with and without HU treatment.
- Monitored and analyzed changes in circulating blood cell numbers.
Main Results:
- Hindlimb unloading (HU) alone resulted in minimal changes to circulating blood cell counts.
- Exposure to SPE-like proton radiation significantly decreased lymphocyte, granulocyte, and platelet counts, regardless of HU treatment.
- Combined exposure did not exacerbate the blood cell reductions seen with radiation alone.
Conclusions:
- SPE-like proton radiation is a primary driver of significant reductions in key blood cell populations.
- Astronauts on exploration missions may face increased risks of infection and thrombotic diseases due to radiation-induced cytopenias.
- Development of countermeasures is necessary to mitigate these hematological risks for deep space exploration.
